Speak for India Zonal Rounds in Tamil Nadu Highlight Student Oratory Excellence
The zonal rounds of the prestigious 'Speak for India' inter-college elocution contest recently took place in two key cities of Tamil Nadu, providing a dynamic platform for young minds to demonstrate their oratory prowess. Students from numerous colleges across southern and central regions of the state participated enthusiastically in these competitive events held on consecutive days.
Madurai and Trichy Host Vibrant Elocution Events
On January 28, Solamalai College of Engineering in Madurai became the venue for an impressive gathering of 27 participants representing 20 different colleges. The following day, January 29, witnessed Indra Ganesan College of Engineering in Trichy hosting 28 talented students from 10 participating institutions. These events marked significant milestones in the ongoing competition that has been nurturing young speakers since its inception.
Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative with Educational Impact
Organized as a meaningful corporate social responsibility initiative by Federal Bank in partnership with The Times of India since 2014, the Speak for India contest has consistently provided valuable opportunities for college students to express their views on diverse subjects. This initiative not only offers a competitive platform but also significantly contributes to sharpening participants' public speaking abilities and critical thinking skills, preparing them for future professional challenges.
Diverse Topics and Inspiring Participant Stories
Participants engaged with a wide spectrum of subjects during their presentations, including agriculture, medicine, engineering, law, banking, arts, sciences, management, and economics. This diversity of topics allowed students to explore areas both within and beyond their academic specializations.
V Hariharan, a visually impaired fourth-year student at Government Law College in Trichy, delivered a compelling speech on agriculture despite his legal background. "My father is a farmer," Hariharan explained. "Drawing from my knowledge of his agricultural and economic challenges, I took a few minutes to recall his struggles, prepared briefly, and then spoke." Aspiring to become a successful advocate despite his disability, he praised the contest for allowing him to highlight both his personal background and oratory talent.
Yasmin Begum, a second-year paramedical student at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, chose to speak about artificial intelligence. "Although I am not a student of the subject," she shared, "it was thrilling and engaging to take up the challenge as I am a common user of AI." Her experience demonstrates how the contest encourages students to venture beyond their comfort zones.
R Niranjana Devi from the School of Excellence in Law, Madurai, addressed the contemporary issue of uniform dress codes. "With the change of times," she observed, "it's essential to debate as it opens our mind in new ways." Her perspective highlights how the contest fosters progressive thinking among participants.
Priyadharshini, another law student from Government Law College in Madurai, emphasized the contest's significance for young people. "Speak for India was a great opportunity for young people like me," she stated, "as it recognizes and values the young minds of the nation. Providing such platforms and encouraging youth through special awards is truly appreciable."
Competition Structure and Future Rounds
The zonal events represent just one phase of this comprehensive competition. Additional zonal rounds are scheduled to take place in other major Tamil Nadu cities including Chennai, Coimbatore, and Salem. The competition will progress to semifinals on February 17, followed by the grand finals on February 18.
Substantial Prize Structure
The contest features an attractive prize structure that recognizes excellence at multiple levels:
- The overall winner will receive a substantial cash prize of Rs 2.5 lakh
- The runner-up will be awarded Rs 1.5 lakh
- Six other finalists will each receive Rs 50,000
Zonal winners from each location will be announced shortly, adding to the anticipation surrounding this prestigious elocution competition that continues to empower Tamil Nadu's student community through the art of public speaking.
