"Every parent wonders: What could my child become?"
Six years ago, I wondered the same thing. As a two-time U.S. State Debate Champion who went from a shy teenager to Stanford to Goldman Sachs, I knew what research-based competitive debate could do.
So I brought that format to India. I founded Speech & Debate India with a mission: to build the pathway Indian students deserve.
Today, we are South Asia's number one organization in international competitive debate. Our students compete globally. And win.
But until now, that opportunity has been limited. Largely online. Accessible to a select few.
That changes today.
Through our exclusive partnership with the Harvard Debate Council, we are launching the SDI-HDC Championship Series — bringing live, in-person championship competition to students across India for the first time.
This is the national stage I've been building toward for six years.
— Rajiv Kacholia Founder, Speech & Debate India
What Makes This Different
This Is NOT
This IS
Opinion-based: "I think..."
Evidence-based: "Research proves..."
Impromptu speaking
Deep preparation: weeks of research
MUN or parliamentary formats
Research-intensive public policy debate
Performance-focused
Academic depth and structured reasoning
One-sided advocacy
Balanced: must argue BOTH sides
Students must argue BOTH sides of every issue. That's the transformation.
Why This Matters
Academic research validates this approach. Survey data from the National Speech & Debate Association shows participants in this format enroll in top-10 colleges at roughly five times the national rate.
Research demonstrates there is no other academic activity that stimulates a child's development across so many core academic and life skills.
Students Develop:
Critical thinking and research literacy — Evaluating sources, identifying bias, constructing evidence-based arguments
Structured reasoning — Building logical frameworks, anticipating counterarguments, strategic weighing
Communication under pressure — Clear articulation, time management, responsive engagement
Intellectual flexibility — Arguing both sides develops perspective-taking and balanced judgment
Leadership and confidence — Not as performance tricks, but as byproducts of intellectual mastery
No. This is evidence-based Public Forum debate, judged on research quality, reasoning, and structured rebuttal. MUN focuses on roleplay and diplomacy. Public Forum focuses on evidence and logic. Students must research for weeks and cite credible sources to win.
Q: Is this opinion-based or impromptu debating?
No. Students debate using researched evidence and disciplined argument structure. This format requires weeks of preparation. Unlike impromptu speaking where students think on their feet, Public Forum debaters prepare cases in advance, organize evidence, and practice refutation strategies.
Q: Why must students argue both sides?
To develop genuine critical thinking. You cannot truly understand an issue until you can defend the opposing view. This builds empathy, intellectual flexibility, and prevents students from becoming ideologically rigid. It's the single most transformational aspect of the format.
Q: How are students judged?
Students are evaluated on: Research quality (credibility of sources) | Logical structure (claims, warrants, impacts) | Depth of clash (engagement with opposing arguments) | Academic clarity (explanation vs memorization). This is debating as an academic discipline, not a performance exercise.
Preparation & Eligibility
Q: Is Global Chronicles (GC) mandatory?
Students must meet a minimum preparation standard. Eligibility requires either GC enrollment OR completion of a Global Debate Workshop with Mr. Kacholia. The preparation requirement protects academic integrity and ensures fairness.
Q: Is this suitable for beginners?
Yes — if the student completes the Workshop or joins GC first. The preparation requirement exists to ensure all students compete on a level playing field with adequate foundational training.
Q: What if my child has no debate experience?
Students can either: 1) Start with Foundations of Confidence (FC) to build foundational skills, 2) Enroll in Global Chronicles (GC) directly for intensive preparation, or 3) Complete a Global Debate Workshop before their first Championship.
Q: How much time commitment is required?
For the Championship itself: Weekend tournament (typically Saturday-Sunday). For preparation: GC students: 1.5 hours/week + tournament prep | Workshop students: One 6-8 hour day before first tournament | Additional research time varies (typically 2-4 hours/week during season).
Logistics & Competition
Q: Will students receive feedback?
Yes. Judge ballots are provided through Tabroom after the tournament concludes. Students receive detailed feedback on argumentation, evidence use, strategic decision-making, and speaking effectiveness.
Q: What grades can participate?
Grades 6–12, divided into two divisions: Middle School (Grades 6-8) and High School (Grades 9-12). Students compete within their division for awards and Finals qualification.
Q: Where will events be held?
Mumbai is confirmed. Additional cities will be announced as the Series expands.
Outcomes & Impact
Q: My child is shy/introverted. Is this for them?
Absolutely. Debate is not about being loud; it is about being clear. Many champions are introverts who find power in prepared argumentation. The structure of Public Forum supports thoughtful students. Research and evidence matter more than charisma. As Mr. Kacholia says: "I was that shy kid. Debate didn't make me louder. It made me sharper."
Q: What about college admissions impact?
NSDA Student Impact Data (Class of 2019, survey-based) reports participants in this format enrolling in top-10 colleges at roughly five times the national rate. Why? Because this format develops research literacy, critical thinking, structured reasoning, and communication under pressure — exactly what elite universities prioritize.
You will receive an acknowledgement email and payment instructions to reserve your spot (limited seats).
We will follow up with preparation verification (GC enrollment or workshop scheduling).
Tournament logistics and topic timeline will be shared as the event approaches.
Admin note: the registration button above currently points to the tournament Google Form. If you replace the form in future, update the href in this section.