22ndAnnual Veeranna Aivalli Memorial Debate Competition Trophy- December 20, 2023

Indian Institute of Public Administration, J&K Regional Branch and J&K Police in collaboration with Department of Students Welfare, University of Jammu organized the 22ndAnnual Veeranna Aivalli Memorial Debate Competition on the topic “In the opinion of the house, unchecked development and widespread use of Artificial Intelligence poses significant risks to the humanity”. A total of 24 teams from various affiliated colleges and University teaching departments and other Universities and Institutions of the region participated in the competition. The team from DD & OE, University of Jammu comprising of Mahrosh Naiz Malik and Nipun Sharma lifted the Veeranna Aivalli Running team trophy. The individual first prize was won by Vatsalya Chadha Deptt of Law, JU; second prize was won by Shiena Singh, Department of English, JU while the third prize was given to Riya Sharma, Department of Political Science, JU. The consolation prizes were won by Adhinayak Singh, The Law School, JU, Mehrosh Niaz Malik, DD&OE, JU and Surraya Bano, Deptt of Dogri, JU. Sh. R.R,Swain, IPS, Director General of Police, J&K Police, Chief Guest of the prize distribution function in his address raised issues about ethical dilemma of artificial intelligence and technology. He emphasized that individuals face challenging ethical concerns while making decisions working in organizations. While remembering the immense contribution of Sh Veeranna Aivalli, he complimented IIPA JKRB for organizing this event which stimulates the minds of the youth. Dr. Ashok Bhan, IPS (R), Patron of the IIPA JKRB in his address said that there is an urgent need for the global fraternity to come together and develop a policy framework to address the challenges posed by artificial intelligence. While remembering Sh. Veeranna Aivalli, he said that this debate competition is a reflection of his personality and he urged the youth to remember the sacrifices of the martyrs who fought terrorism in J&K for more than three decades. Sh B R Sharma, IAS (Retd), State Election Commissioner and Chairman IIPA J&K Regional Branch in his address also raised concern about exponential growth of artificial intelligence and how it is impacting governments across the world. While discussing the risks of deep fakes, he was of the view it is important to regulate the growth of AI to the advantage of mankind. Prof. Meena Sharma, Dean Planning and Development, University of Jammu, Guest of Honor in her address appreciated the sustained initiative of IIPA in organizing this debate competition. She said that University of Jammu is keen to collaborate with IIPA on various other academic initiatives related to public administration and good governance.Prof Alka Sharma, Hony Secretary, IIPA JKRB presented the formal welcome address. Dr. Anil Gupta, Joint Secretary, IIPA conducted the proceedings and presented the formal vote of thanks. Earlier during the day, Prof Prakash Chand Antahal, Dean Students’ Welfare, University of Jammu in presence of Er. J B S Johar, Vice-Chairman, IIPA & Sh K B Jandial, IAS (Retd) Director Seminars, Prof Monika Chadha, Chairperson, Campus Cultural Committee, Prof Sarika Manhas, Co-Chairperson & Dr Hema Gandotra, Teacher in charge of debate, introduced the rules and regulations to be followed during the debate session. The adjudicators for the debate competition were Prof Neelam Saraf ,Prof Ekta Gupta and Dr. Komal Nagar. The rapporteur of the event was Gagandeep Singh and Setaj Kour. The event was coordinated by Mr Jatin, Mr Sumit Sharma, Kulbhushan, Arif . The family members of Sh Veerana Aivalli including Mr. Girish Aivalli and Mrs Kanmani Aivalli also joined the event. The event was attended by serving and retired police officers, office bearers & executive committee of IIPA, teaching fraternity of University of Jammu, students and members of civil society.