Speak for India

Speak for India is an initiative by Federal Bank, The Times of India and Ei Samay to encourage young and enthusiastic minds across the state to raise their voice on pertinent issues and become the change makers of society. It provides college students with an opportunity to explore their awareness, insights and perspective on contemporary topics. This forum aims to zero in on the top inter-collegiate debaters in the state, through multiple levels of competitions aimed at identifying the best and the most deserving contestants. All college students from the state can participate in the competition. In the previous season, in West Bengal more than 30,000 students from more than 750 colleges participated on the Speak for India platform.

On February 15th ‘Speak for India’ for Kolkata district of West Bengal was held at The Bhawanipur Education Society College. The event started with the host welcoming the guests on the stage, Prof. Chiranjib Bhattacharjee – Pro Vice-Chancellor, Jadavpur University, Mr. Arindam Sil – Actor & Director, Mr. Riddhi Sen – Actor along with the Director General of the college, Dr. Suman K Mukerjee were welcomed for the lamp lighting ceremony.

The event was initiated by the Vice Chancellor of Federal Bank, Mr. Santosh Kumar who welcomed all the guests in his talk about the ‘Speak for India’ contest. The Zonal Head of the Federal Bank, Mr. Sabu R.S talked about the ‘Speak for India’ contest where while introducing the past winners, he on behalf of them informed how this competition is a cauldron of igniting self-confidence, knowledge & thought-provoking opinions amongst the youth. Dr. Suman Mukerjee welcomed the students of the college to this podium where, beyond the differences of class & caste, the youth were welcomed to express their democratic opinions .

The event saw 80 students from all the colleges of Kolkata participating in the debate, of which in the first round 23 qualified for the second round. The second round was debating between 23 shortlisted candidates out of whom the final 10 students were shortlisted for the Zonal. The students shortlisted hereof will enter the Final round for the West Bengal state level debate. The event ended with the shortlisted students being awarded certificates & awards.