Mangalore, January 27, 2024 – St. Joseph’s Institute of Philosophy (SJIP) hosted an engaging debate session on Monday, January 27, 2024, in collaboration with the Chair in Christianity (CIC) of Mangalore University and the School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, Mangalore. The event, held at the SJIP campus, was a thought-provoking exercise for students, fostering critical thinking and communication skills.

The program commenced at 9:30 am with an inaugural session graced by distinguished dignitaries: Rev. Dr. Ronald Serrao, Rector of the seminary; Rev. Dr. Ivan D’Souza, Director of SJIP and Head of CIC; Rev. Fr. Nelson D’Almeida, faculty member of SJIP; Dr. Saritha D’Souza, IQAC Coordinator of the School of Social Work; and Sr. Collin D’Souza of Roshni Nilaya.

The session began with a soulful prayer song, “The world stands in need of liberation, my Lord,” followed by the recitation of the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. Dr. Ivan D’Souza welcomed the gathering, setting the tone for the day, while Fr. Nelson D’Almeida explained the methodology and structure of the debate. Br. Merwin Spinoza skillfully compered the inaugural session.

The debate centered around the topic, “Which Form of Government is Good: Autocracy vs. Democracy.” Students from SJIP and Roshni Nilaya were divided into two groups to deliberate on the strengths and weaknesses of both governance systems.

The first session involved group discussions, where students collaborated to share ideas and prepare their arguments. Following a coffee break, the formal debate commenced, with group leaders delivering compelling keynote speeches. Each team passionately defended their stance, presenting well-reasoned arguments and counterpoints.

Fr. Nelson D’Almeida moderated the debate and offered insightful concluding remarks. Dr. Saritha D’Souza, representing the staff, praised the students for their enthusiasm and highlighted the importance of such activities in developing communication, listening, and critical thinking skills.

The session was well-received by participants from both institutes, who described it as a valuable platform for knowledge-exchange and broadening perspectives. The event concluded with the singing of the National Anthem, leaving students inspired and eager for more such collaborations.

This debate session marked a significant step in fostering academic interaction and mutual learning between SJIP and Roshni Nilaya, setting a precedent for future initiatives.