PASIGHAT, Oct 15: The Siang Trust in association with the Arunachal Pradesh University conducted an Institutional-Level Youth Debate Competition 2026 themed ‘The Youth of Today: More Rights, More Choice, More Voice, but Less Responsibility’ at the APU premises here yesterday.
Jiden Gao, a third-semester student of the Department of Commerce, won the competition, while Mittu Bhagan and Ayang Lego secured the second and third positions respectively.
In all, 24 participants from various departments of the university took part in the debate contest.
As per the format, each speaker was allotted four minutes for an opening presentation, two minutes for rebuttal and counterpoints, and one minute for closing remarks.
The event was judged by a three-member panel comprising Prof (Dr) Prakash Chandra Jena, Dean of Academic Affairs APU; Dr Razzeko Delley, HoD English, and Dr Rajen Miwu, HoD Commerce. The judges lauded the standard of the debate and commended the participants for their enthusiasm, seriousness, and effective presentation.
Earlier, the programme began with the rendition of Vande Mataram, followed by a welcome address by Adam Paksok, Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics.
Paying tribute to Late Prof Tamo Mibang, former Vice-Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University and pioneer of indigenous studies in Arunachal Pradesh, APU Registrar Narmi Darang highlighted his contributions to academics, sports and social activism, and encouraged students to actively participate in university programmes.
Siang Trust Coordinator Asokan K V said the youth debate is a new initiative of the Trust and will be made a regular feature in its annual calendar. He informed that students from 14 institutions are 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 (rtd) Mohonto Panging Pao commended the participants and underscored the importance of debate in building communication skills, vocabulary, confidence and clarity of expression. While appreciating the performance of the students, he said focused preparation would help them further improve.
The programme concluded with a brief speech by Dr Leki C Thungon, Assistant Professor, Dept of Computer Science.