Debating Prodigy of PES University Wins ‘Speak for India - 2019’ Competition

Miss Deepika P Karanji, 5th semester Computer Science Engineering student of PES University battled away and won the coveted first prize in the prestigious and premier debate contest conducted by Federal Bank in association with The Times of India and Vijaya Karnataka at Bengaluru. Eight finalists battled on ‘Speak for India (Karnataka Edition) 2019, a state level inter-collegiate in the fiery debate contest held at the Sheraton Grand, Rajajnagar. Deepika P Karanji of PES University was crowned the winner with a trophy. Merit certificate and a Cash Award of Rs. 1.5 lakh. A total of 38,000 students were screened hailing from 1,200colleges across Karnataka. 124 speakers were selected at zonal level, 30 could make to semi-finals and among them only 8 were selected for finals on Thursday,the 12th Dec 2019.  Deepika finally emerged as the winner endorsed byeminent three-member jury that included Govindaraj Hegde of NLSIU, Kavitha Lankesh, noted film director and Ruthuparna Sharma, a youn writer. Deepika spoke impressively on the debate of impact of artificial intelligence. She propounded that the fear of jobs being taken away existed in during the Industrial Revolution as well, so reskilling people is important. On winning, Deepika said that she is lucky to have won this massive debate during her very first attempt and was owes the prize to her parents and to the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor of PES University who facilitated her participation in the contest. Dr. Doreswamy, the Chancellor of PES University showered praise, appreciation and congratulated Deepika on this memorable feat. He recalled her parents meeting him during Deepika’s admission to National Public School and said that the University is proud of her laudable achievement.