What is your personal philosophy on the importance of debate in a university setting?

Well, it's one of the most important things. One of the reasons I have said yes to be the advisor of the club is because I think the debate club is possibly the only club where the members are simultaneously involved in two different activities. One is intellectual, the other is using their management capacity to manage a very big event. I always put a lot of emphasis on the critical understanding of anything. As you can understand, debate by definition requires people to think critically. So the most magnificent thing about debating is that it gives people exposure to knowledge. Simultaneously, you are honing your intellectual capacities and at the same time your leadership capacity. I don't think any other club offers you that other than the North South University debate club.

Can you share some of your most memorable moments with us?

Yeah, well, I think it's very hard to find any specific moment that is very special because I am very involved with the club people. But I think we have had a number of very big events, including when there is a high-pressure moment, we work together. But once the high-pressure moments are done, that's the time we all rejoice. So I don't have anything very particular to mention, but it's about all the events and how we handle the pressure, and after the pressure is done, how all the members enjoy together. So there are many, many moments like that.

What do you believe would be the most enduring legacy of the debate club and how can the current members contribute to it?

In terms of the legacy? I think people in the past have shown that North South University can perform on big stages. North South University has won international championships. They regularly win national level championships. So I think the standard is already set very high. The current members have to jump on the boat and carry on. But when you do that, I always ask you to remember that in teamwork, when you are working with very capable individuals, conflict may arise. I urge club people to understand the difference between constructive conflict and destructive conflict. Destructive conflict is when a bunch of people are trying to achieve something, but ego comes in between. But constructive conflict is when a bunch of people are trying to do something, but there are several great ideas coming together. The clash of great ideas is what we call constructive conflict. I urge you to focus more on constructive conflict rather than destructive conflict. If that can happen, there is no limit to what North South University's debate club can achieve.

Have there been any challenges you faced as a club advisor?

Yeah, well, you bet. There are a lot of challenges. I think most of the challenges come from managing the logistics and administrative aspects of managing an event, but I think if you go to the real world and work with other people, and manage something, you'll see that this kind of challenge always exists. So yes, it's very, very challenging managing my academic responsibilities and managing these club activities, and this is pretty true for the students and the club members as well. So yeah, it's very challenging and that's where the fun comes from.

Lastly, any well wishes for the club?

This club is my heart. I love this club to my core. I love the people to bits. I do go through tremendous challenges sometimes, but whoever is listening to me should know that each and every one of you is absolutely loved by me, and I consider it a privilege to work with you people. You are absolutely fantastic people. So yeah, my best wishes to you all the time. Very welcome.