Over the last four decades, an inter-collegiate debating competition being held in Chennai has emerged as one of the topmost event in the yearly cultural calendar of Tamil Nadu.

“Elihu Yale Inter Collegiate Debate, the flagship programme of the Indo American Association draws not only colleges but even the Universities in the State. This has been launched to help the youth by offering them a platform for debate, discussion, dissent and develop,” said Pejavar Murari, former secretary to the President of India who is the master brain behind this high decibel event which draws Chennai’s cultural and intellectual czars.

The debate is named after Elihu Yale, President of Fort Saint George, the highest post in this part of the country during the days of East India Company. The debate held on Wednesday was the 44th edition of this competition which is being watched with interest and enthusiasm,” said Murari.

The IAA, working for strengthening the people to people relation in India and United States is hopeful of innovation in the education system by the debating competition. “This will motivate the students to explore their potential and hone their skills in research, communication and presentation,” said Meera Ramanathan, president, IAA.

Murari said the event was launched in 1973 and since then there was no looking back for this thrilling and spirited debating championship. The subject selected for Wednesday’s contest was “Monitoring The Media-Should we or Not?”.

P Shankar, former chief vigilance commissioner of India who chaired the panel of judges was all praise for the participants. “The youngsters were really impressive. Sure, the google has helped them a lot but what caught the attention was they were able to incorporate topical events and current affairs into the topic making the whole day lively. Though I have seen some spirited discussions by media professionals about the issue, these youngsters embellished the debate with incidents like the sit-in held at Marina Beach last year demanding the lifting of the ban on Jallikkattu and how the social media was exploited by them to sustain the protest,” said Shankar.

Stella Marry’s College, Chennai walked away with the coveted rolling trophy. While those who spoke against the monitoring of the media described it as an invasion into the privacy and throttling of democracy , those who spoke in support of the motion rebutted the argument point by point and that too within the allotted time.

“What made this event memorable is the enthusiasm and seriousness with which Murari and Shankar, veteran bureaucrats who handled sensitive issues concerning the country showing the same passion in organising an event meant for youngsters,” said Prof Shanaz Ahmed, principal, JBAS College for Women, which hosted this edition of the debate. For the participants and the audience, the event turned out to be a new kind of Derby with the best colts walking away with the beautifully carved trophy.

Besides Stella Marry’s, the event attracted students from Women’s Christian College, Great Lakes Institute, Hindustan University, Ethiraj College, Loyola College and Bharat University.