Our Approach:
The motion for the debate is determined after much deliberation, and through a democratic vote, collectively by faculty, board members, and participants.
On the day of the event, each speaker presents his or her own speech, which he or she has prepared in advance. The speaker is allowed to consult notes, and even resort to casual, conversational Hindi. The speaker speaks uninterrupted for 3 minutes. Finally, after the speaker finishes his or her speech, an audience-member asks the speaker one question based on the speaker’s speech.
For the purposes of judging, there will be four distinct categories of speakers, and each speaker will compete only within his/her category.
Category 1: Non-Native Non-Heritage Undergraduate & Graduate Speakers
Category 2: Non-Native & Heritage Undergraduate & Graduate Speakers
Category 4: Native Undergraduate and Graduate Speakers