Vision:
- To seek a mind that can think meaningfully, critically and significantly for the welfare of the individual and the society.
- To grow one’s voice that can strongly express, contemplate and interpret ideas
- To transform the lifestyle of the speaker and the listener through the varied ways of thinking, listening and speaking.
Mission:
- To provide students with debate activities that can improve critical thinking, research skills, analysis, advocacy, oral presentation and listening skills.
- To encourage students to actively participate in public debates and host debate competitions
- To offer inter-departmental and inter- collegiate debate competitions
Objectives:
- To promote problem solving and innovative thinking.
- To help students to build links between words and ideas that makes concepts more meaningful.
- To provide experiences that improves cognitive and presentational skills.
- To exercise creativity and implement different ways of perceiving and thinking.
Outcome:
- Students developed their ability to express their thoughts and opinions through their active participation in oratorical competitions and essay writing competitions.
- Students developed their reasoning skills, critical thinking and analytical ability to take on a better perspective of the world.
Name of Staff Members:
- Dr. MAHESWARI , Vice-President) Assistant Professor, Dept. of Tamil (SFS)
- Ms. SANTHANNA MARIA. I, Dept. of English (SFS)
- Ms. SHANMUGI. G, Dept. of English (Shift I) (Aided)
Name of Student Co-ordinators:
- B.Viannaa Doss
- Ms.P.Yuvathi
Activities 2024-25
Nervous to Notable-Building Your Stage Presence
Report
The Language Debate Club organised a workshop on “Nervous to Notable: Building Your Stage Presence” on 12th December 2024, attended by 20 students. The event was presided over by Ms. Shameeha Sheik, Soft skills and communication trainer at MEASI Institute of Information Technology and a visiting faculty member at MEASI Academy of Architecture. Followed by the invocation, Ms. Vianna Doss (I Psy) rendered the welcome address. Ms. Keerthana (I B.C om CS) introduced the resource person.
Ms. Shameeha Sheik, a soft skill and communication trainer, advocated the crucial role of non-verbal clues, tonal changes, and an audience-centred approach in building a confident stance on the podium. She explained the seven qualities that the speaker has to follow on stage. During the event, she has conducted various individual and group activities which include Spin a Yarn, Make a Commercial, and JAM. She also discussed how to structure the speech and also emphasised the tips and techniques that are needed to be followed on stage. Then the session ended with the question-and-answer session. Yuvathi (I V.com) delivered the vote of thank
Strengths of The Program
The workshop stimulated the students’ interest. They enthusiastically participated in all the activities and it also helped them to learn the nuances of stage presentation skills.
Challenges
As the students’ enrolment is limited in number, it is easy to conduct the workshop. There is no difficulty in organising this workshop. It reached its objective.
Program outcome
The outcome of this workshop is that it encourages students in public speaking and it also creates an interest in debate activities that can improve critical thinking, research skills, analysis, advocacy, oral presentation, and stage presentation skills.
We the People: Debating the Essence of the Constitution
Report :
In commemoration of UGC Constitution Day 2024, the Outreach Club and Languages Debate Club collaboratively organized a seminar titled “We the People: Debating the Essence of the Constitution.” The event aimed to foster an understanding of the Indian Constitution’s enduring relevance, highlight its adaptability to contemporary aspirations and create a platform for critical analysis through engaging activities.
Objectives :
- To Promote Awareness: To educate students about the Indian Constitution’s core values and their applicability in today’s society.
- To Foster Critical Thinking: Encourage participants to explore and analyze whether the Constitution reflects modern India’s aspirations.
- To Develop Communication Skills: Enhance public speaking, presentation, and debate skills among students.
- To Celebrate Civic Engagement: Instill a sense of responsibility and pride in the Indian democratic system.
- The seminar “We the People: Debating the Essence of the Constitution” successfully achieved its objectives of spreading awareness, promoting intellectual dialogue, and celebrating the spirit of the Indian Constitution. The Outreach Club and Language Debate Club express their gratitude to the management, faculty, participants, and judge Ms. R. Durga for their invaluable contributions to the event’s success.
Event Highlights :
- PPT Presentations: Two thought-provoking presentations of 15 minutes each explored key aspects of the Indian Constitution, including its historical evolution and future challenges.
- Documentary Screening: A 20-minute documentary provided a visual and emotional connection to the Constitution’s spirit and its makers.
- Debate:
- Topic: “Republic Rhythms: Does India’s Constitution Truly Reflect the Aspirations of Modern India?”
- Participants: Five members each from the Outreach Club and Language Debate Club.
- The debate was dynamic, with participants eloquently presenting arguments on the Constitution’s relevance, its strengths, and its areas of improvement.
Strengths of the Event :
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The joint efforts of the Outreach Club and Languages Debate Club ensured a diverse range of perspectives.
- Engaged Audience: The interactive nature of the seminar kept the audience deeply invested in the discussions.
- Informed Participation: Participants demonstrated through research and critical thinking in their presentations and debates.
Program outcome :
- Enhanced Awareness: Students gained deeper insights into the Constitution’s principles and their significance in shaping modern India.
- Improved Communication Skills: Participants refined their public speaking, presentation, and debate techniques.
- Critical Engagement: The event fostered an environment of healthy dialogue, critical thinking, and mutual respect for differing opinions.
- Civic Responsibility: The program strengthened participants’ and attendees’ commitment to their constitutional rights and duties.
Competitions
- Two Oratorical Competitions
- One Essay Writing Competition
“The Power of Words: Enhancing Communication, Pronunciation, and Professionalism
Report “The Power of Words: Enhancing Communication, Pronunciation, and Professionalism
The English Department and Language Debate Club organized a Guest Lecture on “The Power of Words: Enhancing Communication, Pronunciation, and Professionalism” on February 24, 2025. The event was attended by 206 participants, including students from second year—BA English, BSc with CGS, BSc (AI), BSC (DS), BSc( Psy)—as well as club members.
The Guest Lecture was presided over by Mr. P. Suresh, Assistant Professor in the Department of English at Dwaraka Doss Goverdhan Doss Vaishnav College, Chennai, who brings over 20 years of teaching and training experience. The session began with an invocation, followed by a welcome address delivered by Ms. Kaviya U, a first-year BBA student. Ms. Praharshini, a second-year Computer Science with AI student, introduced the resource person, Mr. P. Suresh, who spoke about the importance of communication, education, passion, and interview skills. He shared that he had never faced rejection in an interview, providing valuable solutions for remembering words and improving language skills. He also discussed how he enhanced his English proficiency by regularly visiting theatres and libraries. Additionally, he explained how differences in pronunciation can completely change the meaning of words, which fascinated the audience. The session concluded with an engaging question-and-answer segment, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Nivethini, a second-year Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics student.
“Key Skills for Mastering the Art of Debate”
Report: “Key Skills for Mastering the Art of Debate”
The Language Debate Club organized its valedictory session on March 14, 2025, which was attended by 55 participants. The event featured Dr. R. Ashwini, Assistant Professor from the Department of English (Shift 1) at Shri Shankarlal Sundarbai Shasun Jain College for Women, as the chief guest.
The session began with a welcome address delivered by Asriya from BBA 1st year, followed by the guest introduction by Swojanya from B. Com (Hons.). After the introduction, the felicitation ceremony was conducted by faculty members, honoring Dr. Ashwini for gracing the occasion. The event was smoothly conducted by Kaviya U from BBA 1st year, who served as the master of ceremonies.
Dr. Ashwini engaged the students in an interactive and thought-provoking session, initially assessing their speaking abilities and emphasizing the essential skills required for effective communication and debate. She motivated the participants by highlighting that debates begin at home, shaping critical thinking and decision-making skills. She also stressed that every speaker plays multiple roles, including being their own moderator while making decisions. Furthermore, she emphasized that having a microphone, a stage, and an audience is a privilege that every speaker should cherish.
Throughout the session, she underlined the significance of skill development and consistent practice in becoming a confident speaker. The session was highly engaging, leaving students inspired and eager to improve their debating and communication skills.
The event concluded with the award distribution to the winners of the Block and Tackle, Tamil, and English Debate competitions. The valedictory session was a resounding success, encouraging students to continue refining their public speaking and debating abilities.
Block and Tackle
Report Block and Tackle
On February 19, 2025, the Languages Debate club has organised the peer activity “Block and Tackle”. All the club members were divided into 15 groups. Each group comprises three members. These groups selected their topic randomly through lots and they presented their unique perspective by speaking both for and against their assigned topic. Ms. Vianna Doss and Ms. Yuvathi served as moderators for the lively debate. After intense deliberation, three exceptionally talented groups emerged winners.
Inter-Department Oratorical Competition (English) Topic: I Have a Dream or Lessons of life.
Report Inter-Department Oratorical Competition (English) Topic: I Have a Dream or Lessons of life.
The Language Debate Club successfully organized an english oratorical competition on the topics “Lessons of life” and “I Have a Dream.” The event commenced at 11:00 a.m. with the presence of two esteemed judges, Ms. S. Hemamalini, Head of the Department of English (SFS), and Dr. R. Pavai, Assistant Professor (PG Department of English). A total of 34 participants showcased their oratory skills, making it a highly competitive event. Each speaker presented their thoughts with confidence and depth, sharing personal experiences and aspirations that resonated with the audience.
Report Inter-Department Oratorical Competition (Tamil) Topic: கனவு காணுங்கள் (or) வாழ்வியல் கல்வி
On February 5, 2025, the Language Debate Club of our college hosted a Tamil oratorical competition, which was a resounding success. The event commenced at 11.00 am with the presence of esteemed judge, Ms. P. Vijayarani, Assistant Professor, Department of Tamil (SFS).
In this competition 18 enthusiastic contestants delivered impressive speeches on the topic “கனவு காணுங்கள் (or) வாழ்வியல் கல்வி”. Each participant brought their unique perspective and vision. After intense deliberation, three exceptional talents emerged as winners. They received prizes for their outstanding performances. T. Saranya from I B. Com (General) won the I prize and II second is bagged by J. Annalakshmi from II BBA and the III prize won by A. Haripriya from II B. Com (General)
