Parul University Hosts Verbal Duel 2026, Bringing Industry Perspectives to a State-Level Inter-University Debate
Vadodara (Gujarat) [India], September 29: The state-level inter-university debate competition Verbal Duel 2026, organized by the Center for ...
Vadodara (Gujarat) [India], September 29: The state-level inter-university debate competition Verbal Duel 2026, organized by the Center for Development and Communication (CDC), Parul University, in collaboration with the Times of India Group, was further enriched with the presence of accomplished voices from the media and corporate world. The competition provided students with the opportunity to test their communication and reasoning skills and to learn from professionals who have a wealth of experience in communication-based roles. It was participated by 46 teams from universities and academic institutions across Gujarat.
The event was attended by many senior leaders and industry experts. Mr. Rahul Shankar, Senior Vice President, RMO, Bennett Coleman & Co., a media veteran, was part of the judging panel. His presence gave a taste of what the level of communication is like when ideas have to come across clearly and persuasively. His participation allowed students to be assessed on skills that far exceeded academic preparation, including how to structure an argument, speak with accuracy and respond to an opposing viewpoint.
Further, other prominent delegates like Ex Times of India professional Mr. Animesh Bhatt added yet another perspective with his long experience across The Times Group and Tata Group. Throughout his varied professional career, students learned a wider lens about how communication, confidence, and the ability to work with differing perspectives can influence interactions across a range of professional settings. His involvement also brought the experience of public speaking outside of the typical classroom or contest setting.