1. About the Organization
The Debating and Literary Society of Government Law College, serves as a platform for aspiring young professionals to evolve into well-rounded individuals equipped with refined oral skills, communication skills, a sense of social responsibility, and the ability to navigate the world’s complexities. The society encourages students to develop critical thinking abilities and explore previously undiscovered aspects of regional, national, and global issues. Through constructive debates and discussions, students learn to articulate their thoughts effectively and understand diverse viewpoints.
2. About the event
The Policy Debate has established itself as a flagship platform that brings together distinguished experts, practitioners, and students to deliberate on issues of national and international importance. From constitutional questions and judicial independence to privacy, equality, and democratic resilience, each edition has sought to spark meaningful dialogue on subjects that shape the world we inhabit. Each year, it brings together eminent luminaries from diverse fields: legal practitioners, scholars, activists, and thought leaders, who engage in rigorous discussions on contemporary issues of national and global relevance. The previous editions have spanned topics including the Uniform Civil Code, The collegium system , and a Relook on Same-Sex Marriages.
This year marks the 10th edition of The Policy Debate, centered on the timely theme, “The Global Chessboard: Is India Aligning or Defining?”.
With India’s role in international geopolitics under sharp focus, the Debate promises to be a stimulating forum for the exchange of ideas. India today stands at the crossroads of a rapidly changing global order. With deepening ties to the United States, a historic dependence on Russia, renewed engagement with China, and leadership aspirations in the Global South, India’s choices carry weight far beyond its borders. The question is therefore prima facie for discussion, as it probes whether India is merely adjusting to the moves of global powers or carving out a new role of its own. This theme captures the essence of India’s strategic dilemma: balancing pragmatism with principle, partnerships with autonomy, and immediate interests with long-term leadership.
3. Date ,Timing and Venue
The event shall be conducted at the premises of Government Law College, Mumbai, Auditorium, on 4th October 2025, 11 a.m onwards.
4. Expert Panelists / Speakers for the event
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Nayanima Basu- Journalist and Author of “The Fall of Kabul: Despatches from Chaos”, Visiting Researcher at GIFU Women’s University, Japan and Adjunct Fellow, Gateway House.
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Pradeep S Mehta- Founder and secretary general of CUTS International, a global think tank, and member of the WTO Director-General’s NGO Advisory Board.
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Kashish Parpiani – Author, America and the Indo-Pacific: Trump and Beyond, leading voice on the Indo-Pacific region and US foreign policy, Senior Manager at Reliance Industries Limited.
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Dr. Sreeram Chaulia– Dean, Jindal School of International Affairs and Director General, Jindal India Institute, Host of “Indian Diplomacy” TV show, Author of “Friends” and “Crunch Time”
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Siddharth Varadarajan – Founder of The Wire and former editor of The Hindu, award-winning journalist recognized with the Shorenstein Journalism Award.
Additionally, The discussion will be moderated by Professor Kishu Daswani – Professor Daswani, with over 30 years at Government Law College, Mumbai, also teaches at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, has led 50+ peace and conflict resolution workshops, and is a visiting professor at the Naval War College, Goa.
The Chief Guest for this event is Mr Suresh K Goel – Former Director-General of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), former Ambassador to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, served at the Permanent Mission of India to the UN in New York.
5. Registration Link-
https://forms.gle/q6aBDF9Siz138sTL9
6. Contact Information
Vaishnavi Srivastav: +91 836 942 2937
Khushi Jain : +91 74002 62964
Nirja Pore :+91 91674 55970
Or, send in a mail at debsoc@glcmumbai.com
