British Council launches Great Debate 2015

 

In attendance were Hannah Cockburn, Head- Political and Bilateral Affairs, British High Commission; Gill Caldicott, Acting Director, British Council and Great Debate winner from 2013 - Anamika Sen. A number of Vice Chancellors and Principals of colleges and Universities from the NCR region were also present.

Organised by the British High Commission, the Great Debate competition is the biggest since its conception. In its third edition, the competition will be organised in ten cities – Bhubaneswar, Bengaluru, Chennai, Ahmadabad, Hyderabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chandigarh and Jaipur, an official statement said.

The winning team from the regional debate competition heats will participate in the grand finale in New Delhi in January 2016. The winning team from the national finals will be offered a week- long study tour to the UK, which will include visits to historical sites, academic institutions and cultural events, as well as meetings with British students.

Speaking at the launch Hannah Cockburn, Head- Political and Bilateral Affairs, British High Commission said, "British High Commission has immense pleasure to organise the GREAT Debate 2015.This gives us an opportunity to celebrate the UK and India’s shared tradition of lively, reasoned debate and our close educational ties. It also gives us an opportunity to further strengthen our relationship with the universities/colleges across India. In its third year now and in its biggest edition, we are taking the competition to ten cities across India this year."

Gill Caldicott, Acting Director, British Council India said: "The British Council is pleased to partner with the British High Commission on The GREAT Debate 2015. This initiative aims to celebrate the rich history of debating in India and facilitates informed discussions amongst the student communities. The GREAT Debate offers a wonderful opportunity for Indian students to showcase their in-depth knowledge, communication skills and eloquence on a wide range of topics. This year’s theme reminds us of the forthcoming 400th death anniversary of William Shakespeare which will be celebrated across the world. A number of this year’s debating topics will be inspired by moral dilemmas found in Shakespeare’s works and adapted to reflect modern themes. We hope all of you will enjoy the debates and that they will be a good learning experience for everyone."

British Council, the Chevening Scholarships programme, Virgin Atlantic, Premier Explore and Luxury Hotels Group are partnering with the British High Commission to organize the Great Debate 2015.