Kohima, September 22 (MExN): Sazolie College, Jotsoma organized the 13th Intercollegiate Debate Competition on September 21, on the topic ‘Smartphones are making us smarter.’
The critic for the event was Likok Sangtam, Documentary Film Maker and host of the talk show called the LK Show. The judges were Arep Tzüdir, Youth Pastor, Kohima Ao Baptist Church, Theja Meru, Entrepreneur and Musician and Tongpang L. Jamir, Advocate. Students from 20 different colleges in Nagaland participated in the event.
A press release issued by Sazolie College mentioned that speakers for the motion stated that smartphones have made life easier and more convenient. From payment of bills to online shopping and accessing healthcare services, everything seems to be in our fingertips, they opined.
Speakers from the opposition bench however disagreed and stated that excessive use of smartphones have created health hazards like insomnia, hallucinations, abnormal obsessions and bizarre behaviour. It has reduced our creativity and IQ. It has taken away our ability to analyse, think clearly and do even simple calculations, they refuted. Smartphones can be as addictive as alcohol and it has made one lazy.
The first position was bagged by Khyochamo Yanthan of Tetso College, while Viketono Jacika of Sazolie College and Neipukhrienuo Pienyü of Baptist College tied in the second position. Tokhuo Humtsoe of Eastern College got the third position. The winners pocketed cash prize of Rs 10,000, Rs 7500 and Rs 5000 respectively. The five consolation prizes were bagged by Bujei Konyak of Kohima College, Imtitula of Model Christian College, Veihrunu William Ramai of St. Joseph’s College, S. L. Mania of Shalom Bible Seminary and Maryangla Kichu of Kohima Science College.
The programme was chaired by Medosano Mary, Asst. Professor, and Jonna Naroibam, Dean of Students, was the moderator for the debate. Invocation Prayer was said by Nzanthung Kikon, Chaplain. Dr. Kangzangding Thou, Principal, Sazolie College, gave the welcome address. Sazolie College Choir gave a rendition of Michael Jackson’s song ‘Man in the Mirror’ and vote of thanks was proposed by Toshinaro Imchen, Assistant Professor and Convenor of the Intercollegiate debate committee.
