National University of Juridical Sciences, Ashoka University win 'Great Debate' finals

Students from National University of Juridical Sciences (NUJS), Kolkata and Ashoka University, Delhi emerged winners after battling it out with ten teams from across India at the GREAT Debate Finals today.

The four students Archit Krishna, Yashvi Ganeriwal from NUJS and Aditya Khemka, Isherjeet Singh from Ashoka University win themselves the GREAT prize of a week-long study tour in the UK which includes visits to historical sites, academic institutions and cultural events, as well as interaction with students in the UK.

GREAT Debate Competition celebrates India and the UK's traditional interest in vibrant discussion and debate. The competition organised by the British High Commission is the biggest this time around with participation from ten cities across India. Students from over 600 universities and colleges participated in the regional editions.

British Acting High Commissioner to India, Dr Alexander Evans said,"The British High Commission has immense pleasure in organising the GREAT Debate Competition. 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 took the competition to ten cities across India".

Gill Caldicott, Director Operations, British Council India, said, "The British Council is pleased to have partnered with the British High Commission for the GREAT Debate 2015-2016. The initiative aimed at celebrating the rich history of debating in India and facilitated a number of informed discussions amongst the student communities over the past few months. This year's theme reminded us of the 400th death anniversary of eminent playwright and poet, William Shakespeare, which is being celebrated this year across the world. We congratulate the winners and participants of the GREAT Debate and hope that it was a good learning experience for everyone."

During the GREAT Debate Finals, a special puppet show - 'All the World is a Stage' ­­­­­­about the life and times of Shakespeare was put together by Enactus wing of Sri Ram College of Commerce. The play becomes a part of the Shakespeare Lives campaign which celebrates Shakespeare's life and work to mark his 400th death anniversary this year.

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