PASIGHAT, OCT 15:

Jiden Gao, a third-semester student of the Department of Commerce, won the Institutional-Level Youth Debate Competition 2026 organised by the Siang Trust in collaboration with Arunachal Pradesh University (APU) at the university’s Conference Hall here on Thursday.

Mittu Bhagan and Ayang Lego secured the second and third positions, respectively. Altogether, 24 students from various university departments participated in the debate on the theme, “The Youth of Today: More Rights, More Choice, More Voice, but Less Responsibility.”

Under the competition format, each participant was allotted four minutes for the opening presentation, two minutes for rebuttal and counterpoints, and one minute for closing remarks.

The three-member judging panel comprised APU Dean of Academic Affairs Prof. (Dr.) Prakash Chandra Jena, Department of English Head Dr. Razzeko Delley and Department of Commerce Head Dr. Rajen Miwu.

The judges appreciated the standard of the debate and commended the participants for their enthusiasm, seriousness and effective presentation.

APU Registrar Narmi Darang paid tribute to late Prof. Tamo Mibang, former Vice-Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University and a pioneer of indigenous studies in Arunachal Pradesh. Highlighting Mibang’s contributions to academics, sports and social activism, Darang encouraged students to actively participate in university programmes.

Siang Trust Coordinator Asokan KV said the youth debate was a new initiative of the Trust and would become a regular feature of its annual calendar. He added that students from 14 institutions were expected to participate in the next phase, with each institution nominating one representative for an inter-institutional debate to be held shortly.

Siang Trust President Captain Mohonto Panging Pao underscored the role of debates in developing communication skills, vocabulary, confidence and clarity of expression. He commended the participants and observed that focused preparation would help them improve further.