Srinagar, September 10: The Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), J&K Regional Branch, in collaboration with the English Debate Club, Department of Students’ Welfare (DSW), University of Kashmir, organised the Annual IIPA Debate–2026 at the University of Kashmir, focusing on the pressing public health issue of food adulteration.
Held on the topic, “Is Food Adulteration the Biggest Public Health Challenge Facing Jammu & Kashmir Today?”, the debate brought together students from universities, colleges and institutions across the Valley, continuing a tradition that has spanned more than two and a half decades. The event provided participants an opportunity to deliberate on an issue closely linked with public health, social responsibility and everyday life.
Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Prof. Nilofer Khan, who was the Chief Guest, appreciated IIPA J&K Regional Branch and the Department of Students’ Welfare for sustaining the debate as an important academic tradition. She said universities must provide young people with platforms to think critically, question prevailing issues and express their views with confidence.
Prof. Khan observed that the theme of this year’s debate was particularly relevant as food adulteration affects households across society and requires greater public awareness, responsible citizenship and effective institutional action.
Commissioner, Food & Drug Administration, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, Khalid Jahangir, who was the Guest of Honour, also appreciated the choice of the topic and stressed the need for collective efforts to ensure food safety. He said food safety was not merely a regulatory responsibility but a shared responsibility involving consumers, the food industry and enforcement agencies.
Vice Chairperson, IIPA J&K Regional Branch, Dr. G. N. Qasba, highlighted the longstanding association between IIPA and the University of Kashmir and underlined the role of debate in promoting democratic values and informed public discourse. He said the issue of food adulteration extended beyond food safety and public health to questions of awareness, ethical responsibility and effective enforcement.
Registrar, University of Kashmir, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, said the debate reflected the University’s commitment to creating opportunities for intellectual engagement beyond the conventional classroom. He emphasised that such platforms encourage students to read, research, reason and communicate—skills that remain valuable in academic and professional life.
Earlier, Dean Students’ Welfare, KU, Prof. Seema Singh, delivered the welcome address and extended greetings to the distinguished guests, jury members, faculty members and participating students. She also appreciated the continued association between DSW and IIPA J&K Regional Branch.
The debate proceedings were coordinated by Dr. Shahid Ali Khan, Cultural Officer, Department of Students’ Welfare and Organising Secretary, who also conducted the proceedings. The programme was attended by Prof. S. M. Afzal Qadri, former Dean Students’ Welfare, University of Kashmir; S. G. M. Andrabi, Joint Secretary, IIPA J&K Regional Branch; Bashir Ahmed, Member, Executive Committee, IIPA J&K Regional Branch; and A. M. Watali, Senior Member, IIPA.
The jury comprised Prof. Farzana Gulzar, Director, Women’s Studies and Research Centre; Prof. Javid Ahmed, Head, Department of Public Administration; and Dr. Gazzala Hassan, Scientist, Pollution Control Committee.
The competition witnessed enthusiastic participation from students representing different universities, colleges and institutions of the Valley. Participants presented arguments both in favour of and against the motion, displaying preparation, confidence, clarity of thought and awareness of the subject.
In the team category, the Department of Political Science, University of Kashmir, emerged as the winner of the prestigious IIPA Rolling Trophy. The winning team comprised Aaliya Ali and Raashid Rasheed.
In the individual category, Syed Aleeza Balkhi of the Institute of Kashmir Studies secured the First Prize. Aaliya Ali of the Department of Political Science, KU, won the Second Prize, while Nimrah of SKUAST-K secured the Third Prize. The First Consolation Prize went to Barha Malik of the Department of Law, while Janifer Salati, also from the Department of Law, received the Second Consolation Prize.
The valedictory function concluded with the distribution of prizes and certificates among the winners and participants. The event reaffirmed the IIPA Debate’s role as a sustained platform for intellectual engagement, public speaking and leadership development, while underscoring the University of Kashmir and IIPA J&K Regional Branch’s commitment to nurturing informed, confident and articulate young voices.
