War of words over ‘trans-border’ military operation

Shillong, Aug 23: If national peace could be achieved only through understanding, as suggested by Albert Einstein, then probably the world would have been the utopia that we often think or talk about. When there is a serious lack of understanding among nations and state heads, force remains the only option to protect national interests.

And yet mankind fails, again and again, refusing to learn from historical mistakes. But that is another discussion. For this year’s Dr MM Das Memorial Debate Championship, the war of words was on whether ‘Trans-border military operation is necessary for protection of national interest’.

The 24^th All Shillong Dr. MM Das Memorial Inter College/Higher Secondary School Debate Competition, 2025, organised by the Zenith Jubelieth Club, was held on Saturday.

The spirited arguments were well appreciated by the audience during the course of the oldest running debate competition in the city, with the additional deputy commissioner, East Khasi Hills, Dalikynti Kharshiing, who was present as chief guest, underscoring the importance of debating in a healthy democratic society.

The team from St Edmund’s College, comprising Sanskriti Modgal and Lamshwadame Khyriem, emerged as the champions, followed by Astha Pradhan and Anish Kr. Singh of St Anthony’s College as the first runner-up and Skhemdor N. Khonglah and Issac Haziel Lyngkhoi of BBS College as the second runner-up.

Lamshwadame was also adjudged the most humorous speaker, while Sanskriti was pronounced the best speaker in the competition, which was presided over by Professor Sukalpa Bhattacharjee, head of the English Department, North Eastern Hill University (NEHU).

The distinguished panel of judges included Professor Binayak Datta, Department of History, NEHU, Advocate Siddique and author and academician Naphirisa Kordor Tariang.