April 28, 2025
On April 28, 2025, iLEAD Kolkata proudly hosted the inaugural edition of the Jefferson Junior Debates 2025, in collaboration with the U.S. Consulate General Kolkata, at the prestigious Dale Carnegie Auditorium. The event served as a vibrant platform for young minds to engage in thought-provoking discussions on globally significant topics, reinforcing iLEAD's commitment to fostering intellectual discourse and academic excellence.
This year's theme — “Will joint space exploration initiatives between NASA and ISRO strengthen global innovation?” — sparked insightful arguments and critical thinking among participants. A total of 42 students from 14 prominent schools across Kolkata, such as St. Thomas’ Girls School, Kidderpore, Sushila Birla Girls’ School, La Martiniere for Girls, DPS Ruby Park Kolkata, and many others, took part in the debates, showcasing remarkable articulation and depth of knowledge.
The Jefferson Junior Debates not only encouraged students to voice their opinions on international co-operation in space exploration but also emphasized the role of educational collaborations in building a more innovative and interconnected world. The event was moderated by Elizabeth Lee (Public Affairs Officer and Director of the American Center, U.S. Consulate Kolkata), and was graced by M. Dyan McGuire (Director of Criminology & Criminal Justice and Associate Professor at Saint Louis University), Joseph Engmark (PhD scholar in Mathematical Statistics from the Department of Mathematics at the University of Maryland), and Neha Basu (Rhode Island native), who were felicitated by Mr. Pradip Chopra (Executive Director, iLEAD).
The event welcomed dynamic young debaters who eloquently presented their perspectives on the future of international space collaboration and its potential to drive technological advancement and global innovation. Modern High School International, Kolkata, emerged as the winner, represented by Yashna Jalan, Vivaan Kumar Ghoshal, and Utkarsha Bajoria. Garden High School and DPS Ruby Park, Kolkata, secured the first and second runner-up positions, respectively, showcasing remarkable critical thinking and communication skills.
The event's atmosphere was charged with intellectual energy and spirited discourse, bringing together curious minds, bold opinions, and a shared vision for global progress.
Talk to our counsellors, select the best suited course for you and build your career