Debate Show

We’re excited to continue introducing you to the Top 14 contestants alphabetically over the coming days. Stay tuned to meet more of these inspiring youth leaders!

Toms River, NJ
Grade: 9

Grafton, MA
Grade: 10

Boxborough, MA
Grade: 10

Monroe, NJ
Grade: 12

Mansfield, MA
Grade: 9

Shrewsbury, MA
Grade: 9

Chelmsford, MA
Grade: 9

Hopkinton, MA
Grade: 9

Herndon, VA
Grade: 11

Northborough, MA
Grade: 9

Apex, NC
Grade: 12

Shrewsbury, MA
Grade: 10

Hudson, MA
Grade: 10

North Potomac, MD
Grade: 8

Judges

Judge

The Art of Vaad Vivaad (Debate)

Kaur & Singh Vaad-Vivaad: A Debate Show is a groundbreaking initiative designed to empower Sikh youth through the art of debate, deeply rooted in Sikh principles and teachings.

Sikhs follow Guru Granth Sahib (Scriptures) as an eternal teacher and a true guide (Satguru). As part of their daily prayers (Nitnem), they recite the following shabad:

ਥਾਲ ਵਿਚਿ ਤਿੰਨਿ ਵਸਤੂ ਪਈਓ ਸਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਵੀਚਾਰੋ ॥
Thaal vich tin vastu payeo, Sat, Santokh, Vicharo
ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਨਾਮੁ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਕਾ ਪਇਓ ਜਿਸ ਕਾ ਸਭਸੁ ਅਧਾਰੋ ॥
Amrit Naam thakur ka payeo, jis ka sabhas adharo

This shabad emphasizes that anyone who considers God's name as the basis of everything and dwells on three values in life - pursuit of truth, contentment, and discussion or reflection - achieves the purpose of life.

Vichaar - discussion, reflection, and exchange of ideas - is one of the core values of Sikhi. Debate leads to the acceptance of diversity, a key principle in Sikhi. The Sikh religion believes in freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and the freedom to choose a path in life within a larger framework of core values. These principles also form the foundation of modern democracy, which encourages debate and diversity.

Empowering Sikh Voices

In today's digital age, social media platforms have inadvertently created echo chambers where individuals are increasingly exposed only to ideas and opinions that align with their own. This phenomenon has led to a more polarized world, with many people reluctant or unable to engage in meaningful intellectual debates or discussions outside their comfort zones. This trend starkly contrasts the core values of Sikhi, which emphasize the importance of vichaar (thoughtful discussion), and the founding principles of democracy, which rely on open dialogue and diverse perspectives.

Our debate program aims to address this challenge by empowering Sikh youth with the skills and confidence to break free from these echo chambers. We seek to achieve three primary goals:

Cultivate the ability to engage in productive dialogue within the Sikh community and beyond, encouraging our youth to consider and respectfully discuss diverse viewpoints.

Equip participants with modern skills crucial for success in higher education and global citizenship, including critical thinking, articulate expression, and the ability to analyze complex issues from multiple angles.

Raise awareness about the rich tradition of intellectual discourse and the value of constructive dissent within Sikhi, showcasing these aspects to the broader global Sikh community and beyond.

By fostering these skills and values, we hope to nurture a generation of Sikh youth who can navigate the complexities of our interconnected world, contribute meaningfully to societal discussions, and uphold the principles of both Sikhi and democracy in an era of digital polarization.

The Debate Journey

Kaur & Singh Vaad-Vivaad is tailored for high school students across the United States, drawing inspiration from the renowned Lincoln-Douglas (LD) debate format. We've chosen this model for its strong emphasis on logic, ethical reasoning, and philosophical discourse, which aligns perfectly with Sikh principles and contemporary challenges.

Our program goes beyond teaching modern debate skills such as critical thinking, public speaking, and articulate expression. It uniquely intertwines these abilities with Sikh teachings, demonstrating how our faith's wisdom can guide participants toward successful, fulfilling lives in today's complex world.

The selection process is rigorous and thoughtful. Once the application period concludes, our experienced debate coaches will carefully evaluate each submission. Promising candidates may be invited for personal interviews, allowing us to gauge their potential and commitment. Those selected will embark on an intensive 8-week training journey led by a diverse team of young professionals. Having excelled in high school and collegiate debate circuits, these mentors now bring their real-world expertise from various professional fields, offering a rich, multifaceted learning experience.

This comprehensive approach ensures that participants hone their debate skills and gain invaluable insights into applying these abilities in academic, professional, and personal spheres, all while deepening their connection to Sikh values and principles.

The coaching is based on five core values for debating:

ਸੱਤ (Sat, ‘ਸੱਚ’): We are in pursuit of the Truth

ਸੇਵਾ (Seva, ‘ਖਿਦਮਤ’): Our organization is built upon Service

ਗਿਆਨ-ਧਿਆਨ (Gian, ‘ਜਾਣਨਾ’), (Dhian, ‘ਸੋਚ ਵਿਚਾਰ’): We wish to impart Knowledge and Wisdom

ਜੁਗਤੀ (Jugti, ‘ਤਰੀਕਾ’): We aim to teach various Techniques

ਨਿਮ੍ਰਿਤਾ (Nimrata, ‘ਨੀਵਾਂ ਹੋਣ ਦਾ ਭਾਵ’): Productive debate requires Humility

Once the coaching is completed, the debate team will schedule online debate tournaments in which candidates will debate one-on-one or in teams of two against each other. After the tournament, semi-finalists will be chosen and invited for a weekend to debate live in a film studio so that the debate can be broadcast live for the audience.

Season 1 Timeline

Introducing Season 1 of Kaur & Singh Vaad-Vivaad: A Journey of Discovery and Growth

Season 1 of Kaur & Singh Vaad-Vivaad marks the beginning of an exciting journey in Sikh youth empowerment through debate. As our pilot season, it represents our humble first steps in filling a crucial gap in our community. We approach this inaugural season with enthusiasm, openness, and a commitment to learning. While we may encounter challenges along the way, our hearts are in the right place, driven by a sincere desire to create a platform for young Sikh voices to flourish. This season is not just a standalone event but the foundation for what we envision as a long-running, impactful program. As we learn and grow from this experience, we aim to refine our approach, expand our reach across the USA and eventually to Canada, and develop multiple seasons that will continue to inspire and educate. We invite you to join us in this pioneering effort, understanding that your participation and feedback will be instrumental in shaping the future of Sikh youth debate. Together, we're not just creating a show but nurturing a movement that aligns with Nishkam TV's mission of empowering our community through meaningful dialogue and intellectual growth.

The first season will launch in the Fall of 2024:

Applications open until mid-September 2024

Coaching begins in October 2024

Live debates in December/January 2024 at JUS TV Studio in New York

Rules and Regulations

Eligibility Criteria

Open to high school students in grades 9-12

An exception may be made for competitive 8th grade students who can compete at the high school level

Must be of Sikh faith and residing in the United States

Must complete and submit the application form by the specified deadline

Time Commitment Requirements

Time commitment of 5 hours per week

Attendance at all scheduled coaching sessions and debate rounds

Completion of all assigned research and preparation tasks

Attendance Policy

Attendance is mandatory for all scheduled sessions

Each missed session must be made up with a one-on-one session with a coach

Excessive absences may result in disqualification from the program

Specific consequences for absences will be outlined in the 'Absence Policy' provided upon acceptance

Expectations for Participation and Assignments

Active engagement in all coaching sessions and debates

Timely completion of all assignments as per the schedule given by coaches

Adherence to the five core values: Sat (Truth), Seva (Service), Gian-Dhian (Knowledge and Wisdom), Jugti (Techniques), and Nimrata (Humility)

Respectful conduct towards coaches, fellow participants, and the spirit of healthy debate

Selection Process for the Televised Tournament

Initial selection of 32 students based on application forms and interviews

After 8 weeks of coaching, a smaller pool of students will be selected for the televised debate tournament

Selection criteria include participation, commitment, and performance during the coaching phase

Coaches have the final say on participation status in the final debate tournament

Teams of 2 will be formed by the coaches for the televised debates

Additional Rules

Students must sign a participation agreement prior to the start of the season

Debate topics will be carefully selected to avoid controversial or longstanding contentious issues within the Sikh panth

Students are expected to argue both "pro" and "con" sides of topics in the tournament

Judging will be based on a point system, evaluating arguments, rebuttals, and overall performance

All participants must adhere to the debate format, rules, and etiquette as specified by the program

The organizing committee reserves the right to modify these rules and regulations as necessary to ensure the smooth running and integrity of the program. Any changes will be communicated to all participants in a timely manner.

FAQ's

Q: Who can participate?
A: The program is open to Sikh high school students (grades 9-12) residing in the United States. Exceptional 8th-grade students may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Q: What is the time commitment?
A: Participants are required to commit 5 hours per week for coaching sessions, research, and debate preparation. The program runs for 8 weeks, followed by debate tournaments.

Q: How are topics selected?
A: Topics are carefully chosen by our content curation team to align with our core values and to be productive for student discussion. We avoid controversial or longstanding contentious issues within the Sikh Panth. Topics will cover a range of subjects relevant to Sikh youth and contemporary issues.

Q: What skills will I learn?
A: Participants will develop critical thinking, research, public speaking, argumentation, and leadership skills. They will also gain a deeper understanding of Sikh philosophy and how to apply it to contemporary issues.

Q: How does the selection process work?
A: Applicants submit an online application form. A selection committee reviews these applications and may conduct interviews. Initially, around 30 students are chosen for the program. After 8 weeks of coaching, a smaller group is selected for the televised tournament based on their performance and commitment.

Q: Is there a fee for participating?
A: There is no fee to participate.

Q: What if I miss a session?
A: Attendance is mandatory. Any missed session must be made up through a one-on-one session with a coach. Excessive absences may result in disqualification from the program.

Q: Will I have to argue positions I don't agree with?
A: Yes, participants are expected to argue both "pro" and "con" sides of topics. This helps develop critical thinking skills and the ability to understand different perspectives.

Q: How are the debates judged?
A: Debates are judged on a point-based system, evaluating the strength of arguments, quality of rebuttals, and overall performance. Judges are volunteers with experience in debate and Sikh studies.

Q: What is the format of the debates?
A: The debates are loosely based on the Lincoln-Douglas format, emphasizing logic, ethical values, and philosophy. Specific rules and formats will be taught during the coaching phase.

Q: Will the debates be televised?
A: Yes, the final tournament will be televised and recorded in a professional studio in New York. This provides an exciting opportunity for participants to showcase their skills to a wider audience.

Q: Can I participate if I've never debated before?
A: Absolutely! The program is designed to teach debate skills from the ground up. We welcome participants of all experience levels.

Q: How can I prepare for the program?
A: Focus on staying informed about current events, particularly those affecting the Sikh community. Read widely and practice articulating your thoughts on various topics. Familiarize yourself with Sikh philosophy and history.

Q: Will this program help with college applications?
A: While not the primary goal, the skills and experience gained through this program can be valuable additions to college applications, demonstrating leadership, critical thinking, and public speaking abilities.

Constitution

In the spirit of transparency and open communication, we are proud to share the Constitution of Kaur & Singh Vaad-Vivaad: A Debate Show. This document serves as the foundation of our program, outlining our mission, vision, core values, and operational guidelines. By making our Constitution publicly available, we aim to provide a clear understanding of our goals, methods, and commitment to empowering Sikh youth through the art of debate. We believe that transparency fosters trust and encourages community engagement, which are essential for the success and growth of this initiative.