SHILLONG: Ideas collided and intellect shone bright as students gathered on a single platform to challenge perceptions, defend convictions and celebrate the power of words during the Debate Competition of the ongoing Mawlai Games and Literary Festival 2026. The event unfolded as a moment of enlightenment and encouragement, where young debaters stood firmly for and against topics duly assigned to them, transforming the hall of the Polytechnic in Mawlai into a vibrant arena of thought.
The competition witnessed an intense and engaging war of words between two groups of well-informed youth, who laid bare their opinions, countered opposing views and perceptions, and infused their presentations with humour, logic and literary finesse. Adding depth and cultural resonance to the exchanges was the evocative quoting of legendary laureate U Soso Tham, whose words echoed through the heated yet respectful discussions.
The debate was conducted in two categories—Category A for school-level students and Category B for college-level participants—drawing a sea of knowledge, perspectives and critical thought from the young minds present.
Category A: Social Media — Boon or Curse?
In the first session, five students from across Mawlai took the stage, with three speaking in favour of the motion and two against it. The topic, “Social Media is a boon or a curse for the people of the State,” was moderated by 4Front Media Editor Ibankyntiew Mawrie.
The group supporting the motion convincingly outlined the advantages of social media, emphasising its role in connecting people, providing real-time information, broadening perspectives and worldviews, and opening up diverse career opportunities in the digital age.
On the opposing side, students challenged the notion of social media as a societal boon, arguing that it has fostered unhealthy habits among the youth. Citing issues such as screen addiction and doom-scrolling, they warned of long-term consequences on students’ mental health, discipline and academic focus.
While all five participants demonstrated commendable clarity and confidence, the judges selected three winners. Diamond Kharshandi of Mawiong Umjapung emerged as the winner, followed by Synroplang Syiemlieh of Umjaiur as the first runner-up and Mewanshuwa Nongdhar of Umrynjah as the second runner-up.
Category B: AI — Boon or Bane?
The second session, featuring college-level debaters, sparked equal enthusiasm as students deliberated on the topic “AI is a boon or a bane to society in Meghalaya.” The session was moderated by Nangiaisan Kharlukhi, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, St Anthony’s College.
Three participants spoke in favour of the motion, while two opposed it, weaving their arguments with facts, figures and contemporary examples. The exchange was marked by sharp reasoning and spirited rebuttals.
What truly set this session apart was the seamless integration of literary references. Debaters quoted works of U Soso Tham, including passages from Ka Masi Lyngki (Phawer Aesop) and U Dieng Bilat, not only during their presentations but also in the question-and-answer round—often with both the questioner and respondent invoking the same verses to strengthen their arguments.
Advocates of AI stressed that Meghalaya must not lag behind in an era of rapid technological advancement, asserting that artificial intelligence can serve as a powerful tool for growth, innovation and efficiency. Meanwhile, those opposing cautioned against over-reliance on AI, warning that it could erode students’ critical thinking, creativity and independent reasoning.
While all five participants displayed commendable clarity, confidence, and command over the subject, the judges ultimately selected three winners. Frederick M. Umlong of Umthlong clinched the top position, with Erick Warjri of Mawdatbaki securing the first runner-up spot, followed by Banteilang Kharpuri of Mawlai Umjapung as the second runner-up.
Both sessions of the debate were judged by seasoned debaters — Dr PW Shangpliang, Saphira M Lyngdoh and Leopoldo Khyriemmujat.
As the curtains fell on the debate competition, one message stood clear: the youth of Mawlai are not merely spectators of change but active thinkers shaping the discourse of tomorrow. Blending tradition with modern thought, and literature with logic, the Debate Competition emerged as a defining highlight of the Mawlai Games and Literary Festival 2026—proving that when young voices are given a platform, ideas flourish and the future finds its direction.
