17 th Annual Veeranna Aivalli Memorial Debate – 2018 Dated: 26 November 2018

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 17 th Annual Veeranna Aivalli Memorial Debate Competition on the topic “In the opinion of the house, One Nation One Poll will impact federalism and regionalism in India”. A total of 31 teams from various affiliated colleges and University teaching departments and other Universities and Institutions of the region registered for the competition. The team from Department of English, University of Jammu Nazish Wani and Seerat Bazi lifted the Veeranna Aivalli Running team trophy. The first prize was won by Nazish Wani from Department of English, University of Jammu; Shivika Thakur from Department of Zoology, University of Jammu bagged the second prize followed by Samilee Sharma from Department of Political Science as the winner of third prize. The consolation prizes were won by Riya Sharma, Department of Zoology; Seerat Baji from Department of English and Neha Sharma from GDC Akhnoor. The prorgramme was attended by members of J&K Police, University and College teachers, members of IIPA and civil society. Mrs. Swarna Aivalli, Sh. Girish Aivalli along with his family were the special guests on the occasion. Sh Dilbag Singh, IPS Director General of Police, J&K was the chief guest at the prize distribution function. Speaking on the occasion, he acknowledged the contributions of Shri Aivalli in extending the relationship of JK Police with the members academia and civil society. He was of the view the debates on issues of governance can help public institutions to generate innovate ideas that can further enhance the welfare of the society. Prof. Manoj Dhar, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu and the Guest of Honor at the function, in his address while appreciating the initiative of IIPA in jointly organizing this competition said that debating skills are essential for public life. While reflecting upon the medieval era wisdom he said that future of humanity lies in the hands of youth and through opportunities like this, they can emerge as future leaders of the nation. In his presidential remarks, Dr Ashok Bhan Former Director General of Police and Patron, IIPA, J&K Regional branch while appreciating the energy of the participants said that there is merit in One Nation One Poll. Narrating the contributions of Sh Aivalli towards promoting good governance and engagement with the civil society, he urged the DGP to showcase the stellar role of J&K Police and their sacrifices. He further requested the Vice Chancellor to strengthen the relationship with the University in form of taking collaborative research projects in area of public administration, management and security studies. Earlier during the day Prof. Shailender Singh Jamwal, Dean Students’ Welfare, University of Jammu emphasized on the need for the youth to participate in productive engagement of students in such activities to channelize their energies in the right direction. Dr. B K Bajaj, Associate Dean (SW) was also present. Prof Alka Sharma, Director, Seminars, IIPA J&K Regional Branch paid rich tributes to Sh. Veeranna Aivalli and threw light on the life and contributions of the stalwart. The dignitaries released the biannual IIPA newsletter on the occasion. The adjudicators for the debate competition were, Prof. K L Bhatia, Er. P K. Nanda and Sh. Jagdish Chandra. Dr. Anil Gupta, Joint Secretary, IIPA and Assistant Dean, Student Welfare conducted the proceedings during the prize distribution function. Er. J B S Johar Hony Secretary presented the formal vote of thanks. The rapporteurs of the event were Heena Sadiq and Atika Khan. The debate was anchored by Shivam Mahajan and Archana Talwar and Time Keeping by Bharti Slathia. Dr. Garima Gupta, Assistant Dean (SW), Sumit Sharma and Ms. Ifra Kak from University coordinated the event.