New Delhi: — Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) concluded the Second Edition of the Shri Arun Jaitley Memorial Debate (SAJMD) with a grand award ceremony on April 12, 2025, celebrating the power of debate, intellect, and the legacy of the late statesman Arun Jaitley. The event brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and students from across India in a tribute to Jaitley’s enduring influence on political discourse and public service.
A total prize fund of ₹2.5 lakh, split equally between the English and Hindi debate categories, was awarded to winners from among 40 participating premier institutions. Contestants hailed from colleges including IIT Delhi, St. Stephen’s College, Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi Technological University, and the University of Mysore.
The ceremony was graced by Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who served as the Chief Guest, and Sanjeev Sanyal, economist and Member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, as Guest of Honour. Both dignitaries are SRCC alumni and reflected on Arun Jaitley’s lasting impact on Indian democracy and education.
“Shri Arun Jaitley was an institution in himself,” Shri Shekhawat noted in his address. “His values, ethics, and vision continue to inspire generations of leaders and thinkers.”
Sanyal, in his remarks, touched on themes of sustainable development, industrialisation, and India’s global role, while also reflecting on Jaitley’s influence on India’s economic policy and SRCC’s academic culture.
The event opened with a welcome by Shri Ajay S. Shriram, Chairman of SRCC’s Governing Body, who recalled Jaitley’s strong connection with the college. Professor Simrit Kaur, Principal, delivered the Vote of Thanks, reiterating SRCC’s commitment to nurturing critical thinking and civic responsibility among youth.
The debate was organised in collaboration with The Debating Society and Hindi Sahitya Sabha of SRCC, and was conducted in a bilingual format, reinforcing inclusivity and linguistic diversity in academic discourse.
The event stood as a powerful tribute to the late Arun Jaitley’s legacy and reaffirmed SRCC’s role in shaping India’s future leaders.
