The Meghalaya College Teachers’ Association (MCTA) successfully organised the 13th R. R. Thomas Inter-College Debate Competition on the 11th of April, 2025. The event was hosted at Synod College, Shillong, and commenced at 1:00 PM.
The debate was graced by Mr. Shiv K. Pradhan from St. Anthony's College, who served as the Speaker of the event. The panel of judges comprised eminent personalities: Mr. Malcolm D. Roy, Pro-Chancellor of Martin Luther Christian University; Dr. Kimberley Syiem, Clinical Psychologist at NEIGRIHMS; and Mr. Eboton Kharkongor, Counsellor at Shlem Jingim Counselling Centre.
Seven reputed colleges participated in the competition: Synod College, Lady Keane College, Shillong College, St. Edmund's College, Union Christian College, St. Mary's College, and St. Anthony's College. Each college fielded two representatives — one speaking for and one against the motion — ensuring a balanced and rigorous exchange of ideas.
The motion of the debate was "The Rise of Social Media Influencers is Good for Society." Participants engaged in a lively and thought-provoking discourse that explored the multifaceted influence of social media on contemporary society. Arguments delved into themes such as consumerism, mental health, digital culture, and the power of influencers in shaping public opinion on spiritual, cultural, political, and social matters.
The competition concluded with the following winners being declared:
- Best Speaker: Nyonyok Talom, St. Edmund's College
- Second Best Speaker: Deboleena Bhattacharjee, St. Mary's College
- Third Best Speaker: Lariphylla Kharphuli, Synod College
The event was a resounding success, fostering critical thought and oratory skills among the participants while also serving as a platform for youth voices to reflect on pressing issues of the digital age.
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