Lahore — After a nine-year pause, the Punjab University Department of Student Affairs successfully organized the “All Pakistan Bilingual Declamation Contest,” marking a significant milestone in promoting oratory excellence, critical thinking, and student engagement in public discourse across Pakistan’s higher education institutions.
The two-day competition, organized by the Pioneers’ Debating Society under the Department of Student Affairs, brought together the brightest minds from across the nation. The event witnessed participation from 25 teams comprising 65 speakers who represented some of Pakistan’s most prestigious educational institutions, demonstrating the contest’s appeal and importance in the academic calendar.
Among the participating institutions were Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Allama Iqbal Medical College Lahore, King Edward Medical University Lahore, and Government College University Lahore. The diverse representation from universities and medical colleges across the country underscored the event’s national significance and its role in fostering intellectual exchange among students from varied academic backgrounds.
The concluding ceremony of this landmark event was graced by Punjab University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Muhammad Ali, who delivered an inspirational address emphasizing the holistic development of students. Director of the Department of Student Affairs Dr. Shahzeb Khan, along with faculty members and a large gathering of enthusiastic students, also attended the ceremony, creating an atmosphere of academic celebration and recognition.
In his keynote address, Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Muhammad Ali highlighted the crucial role educators play beyond traditional classroom settings. He emphasized that teachers’ influence extends far beyond academic instruction, encompassing the broader development of students as informed citizens and future leaders of the nation. His remarks underscored the university’s commitment to comprehensive education that goes beyond textbooks and examinations.
Professor Ali further stressed the importance of active student participation in both curricular and co-curricular activities for national development. He articulated that such engagement is essential for grooming students into responsible citizens who can contribute meaningfully to society. The Vice Chancellor’s vision reflects a broader educational philosophy that values debate, critical discourse, and public speaking as fundamental skills for citizenship and professional success.
The revival of this contest after nearly a decade represents Punjab University’s renewed commitment to fostering platforms for intellectual discourse and public speaking. Declamation contests serve as valuable training grounds for students, enabling them to develop essential skills including critical thinking, persuasive communication, confident public speaking, and the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively.
The bilingual format of the competition, which allows participants to present arguments in both English and Urdu, demonstrates cultural inclusivity while acknowledging the importance of proficiency in multiple languages. This approach not only respects Pakistan’s linguistic diversity but also prepares students to communicate effectively in various professional and social contexts they will encounter in their careers.
The event’s success can be attributed to the meticulous planning and execution by the Department of Student Affairs and the Pioneers’ Debating Society. The organization of such a large-scale competition, bringing together dozens of teams from across Pakistan, requires significant coordination, resources, and institutional support. The seamless execution of the event reflects the university administration’s dedication to providing quality extracurricular opportunities for students.
The participation of 65 speakers from 25 teams created a competitive yet collaborative environment where students could learn from their peers, exchange ideas, and push the boundaries of their oratorical abilities. Such competitions not only identify and reward talent but also inspire participants to continue developing their skills long after the contest concludes.
The All Pakistan Bilingual Declamation Contest aligns with Punjab University’s broader mission to produce well-rounded graduates who possess not just academic knowledge but also the communication skills, confidence, and critical thinking abilities necessary for leadership roles in society. By encouraging debate and public discourse, the university is preparing students to engage constructively with complex social, political, and economic issues facing the nation.
As Punjab University continues to strengthen its position as a leading institution in higher education, events like the bilingual declamation contest demonstrate its commitment to nurturing talent, promoting intellectual engagement, and creating platforms for youth to express their ideas and perspectives. The successful revival of this competition after nine years sets a promising precedent for its continued organization in the years to come, potentially establishing it once again as a regular feature in Pakistan’s academic calendar.
The Department of Student Affairs’ initiative in reviving this important competition deserves commendation, as it recognizes that education encompasses much more than classroom learning. By providing students with opportunities to develop their oratory skills and engage in public discourse, Punjab University is fulfilling its responsibility to produce not just graduates, but informed, articulate, and confident citizens ready to contribute to Pakistan’s future.
