THE PUBLIC SPEAKING & DEBATING SOCIETY – PSDS

The Public Speaking and Debating Society (PSDS) is an integral part of H.R. College of Commerce & Economics. Dedicated to fostering the development of public speaking and debating skills, PSDS offers students a platform to engage in a wide range of debate competitions, MUNs, social and cultural events, as well as hosting various seminars and events. Its primary objective is to empower students to express their opinions effectively.

PSDS strives to equip students with the necessary tools to overcome stage fright, step out of their comfort zones, improve their communication skills, enhance their confidence, foster critical thinking, expand their vocabulary, refine their diction, and achieve fluency in public speaking.

By providing these opportunities, PSDS aims to create a supportive environment where students can grow, learn, and excel in articulating their thoughts and ideas. Through their active participation in PSDS activities, students develop invaluable skills that will benefit them in various aspects of their personal and professional lives. PSDS remains committed to nurturing and empowering students to become effective communicators, critical thinkers, and influential voices in their respective fields.


ACTIVITIES 2024-2025

One Day Symposium

June 28, 2024

The English Literary Association of S.I.W.S College and the Public Speaking and Debating Society of H.R. College organized a symposium to discuss the challenges and opportunities of the Ability Enhancement Course (AEC) in English under NEP 2020. The event featured Prof. Dr. Shivaji, Head of English at Mumbai University, who emphasized the need for improved English curricula and proposed the inclusion of English/Business Communication in commerce courses. A panel discussion included prominent speakers such as Prof. Dr. Mala Pandurang and Dr. Nina Roy, who addressed topics like enhancing communication skills across disciplines, introducing new English subjects, and ensuring credit flexibility while meeting minimum criteria. The symposium concluded with a presentation by Prof. Mandar Bhanushe on equitable technology use in AEC. Overall, the event fostered a collaborative dialogue on enhancing English education in alignment with NEP 2020.

Manthan 2024 Report

August 24-26, 2024   Participants: 46

Manthan 2024 was a significant event, being the first official debate competition open to all years at H.R. College. Over three days, students engaged in various debate formats, starting with online preliminaries, followed by a Shipwreck Debate and a Panel Discussion. The final day featured an Indian Parliamentary Style Debate where participants represented political figures. The event concluded with a closing ceremony announcing the winner and runners-up, showcasing the impressive debating talents of the college students.

Day 1: Online Preliminaries

The event began with 1v1 online debates, starting at 3:00 PM. Participants delivered opening and closing statements within a minute, followed by questioning. Judges, all former members of the Public Speaking and Debating Society, provided feedback after the intense debates, which concluded at 5:00 PM. Sixteen participants advanced to the next round.

Day 2: Shipwreck Debate & Panel Discussion

Round 2: The Shipwreck Debate featured 16 participants divided into two groups. Participants assumed professional roles in a fictional shipwreck scenario. The debate, starting at 10:30 AM, included rebuttals that extended due to high engagement, concluding at 12:00 PM.

Round 3: The Panel Discussion involved nine participants representing different countries, debating foreign policies. The session began at 2:15 PM and was marked by intense alliances and challenges. A surprise twist allowed participants to represent new countries, ending the round at 4:15 PM.

Day 3: Indian Parliamentary Style Debate

The final day featured an Indian Parliamentary Style Debate, starting at 1:15 PM. Participants embodied political figures, delivering opening speeches followed by a Q&A session. The debate, which explored complex political themes, concluded at 2:30 PM, followed by the closing ceremony at 3:00 PM. The winners and runners-up of Manthan 2024 were announced, celebrating the event's success in fostering intellectual discourse.

Triumph of the Public Speaking and Debating Society at Arithmos

Date: 29th November to 2nd December         Attendees: 24

The Public Speaking and Debating Society (PSDS) achieved a historic victory at Arithmos, the prestigious national-level management and strategy fest organized by Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics. Demonstrating unparalleled skill, strategy, and teamwork, the team secured 13 podium finishes across various events, amassing an extraordinary 69,000 points to claim the top position. Despite the fierce rivalry, PSDS consistently emerged victorious, establishing itself as a powerhouse in public speaking and strategic management domains. The resounding triumph at Arithmos not only underscores the exceptional talent within PSDS but also highlights their commitment to excellence and teamwork. This achievement will undoubtedly serve as an inspiration for future members and bolster the society's legacy of success.



PUBLIC SPEAKING & DEBATING SOCIETY Photo Gallery