The Hindu in association with Rostrum, the speakers’ club of Alva’s College, Moodbidri, will organise a State-level debate competition in English for college students on March 24 on Alva’s Vidyagiri campus in Moodbidri from 9 a.m. Students pursuing graduate and postgraduate courses, including professional courses, can participate with each department/stream in an institution being represented by a maximum of four members. The competition is conducted in three stages, group discussion, turncoat, and the grand finale. The topic for group discussion will be given on the spot where groups of 10 members will discuss the topic. For the turncoat round, participants will chose a topic from the lot to speak for and against in three minutes. Best performing participants in the first two rounds will be selected for the grand finale. Participants selected for the grand finale will speak for or against one of the topics after choosing it through lots. The topics are, is privatisation of health services in India good or bad; are villages becoming old-age homes; are Indian women really empowered; is commercialisation of sports affecting talents, and are children’s reality shows on television a boon or bane. The format Each speaker will be given 10 minutes with the first four minutes for presenting views, next two minutes to answer cross questions from participants, and the final four minutes to answer cross questions from a panel of judges and summarising the debate. Entry is free. Registration can be done by email: mlrcir@thehindu.co.in; or online at www.aiet.org.in/debate-thehindu.html. A letter of authorisation from the institution is mandatory. Last date for receipt of entries is March 22. Prizes, including cash, will be distributed on the same day. All finalists will get merit certificates. Transport will be arranged from Mangaluru (Jyothi Circle, 7.30 a.m.) and Udupi (City Bus Stand, 7 a.m.). Food has been arranged for all and accommodation for outstation students (on prior intimation). V4 News is the telecast partner of the event. For more details, call 9980771213, 9448279124 or 0824-2417576-80.

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