Mumbai: The Maharashtra edition of Speak for India, an initiative by the Federal Bank Hormis Memorial Foundation in association with The Times of India and Maharashtra Times, came to a close with eight young and budding orators demonstrating excellence in their persuasive, well-researched arguments on Monday.
Abhay Aalshi (22), a student of V G Vaze College in Mulund, Mumbai, emerged winner of the inter-collegiate competition as he impressed the judges with his quick and witty thinking and extremely compelling arguments against the given topic: ‘With the advent of premier sporting leagues in most sports, is it advisable for youngsters to take up sports as a career?’. His competitor Chaitanya Kamble (21), from K H College in Kolhapur, spoke for it.

From among thousands of students from over 36 districts in Maharashtra who competed at various levels, Aalshi took home the trophy and cash prize of Rs 2.5 lakh. “If you want something from your heart, please always give it a chance,” said Aalshi , who had opted at the last minute to participate as his college exams clashed with the audition rounds in Mumbai.
Runner-up Kamble was overwhelmed on receiving the Rs 1.5 lakh cash prize and said he felt he has achieved something great since the last time he participated in the Speak for India competition he could not make it till the final round. The six remaining finalists received Rs 50,000 each.
The grand finale of the Speak for India Maharashtra edition was held at Lala Lajpat Rai College of Commerce and Economics in Mumbai.
Before the final round, the eight finalists argued on two topics, some speaking in English and some in Marathi, ‘Shouldn’t we have the right to sell our own organs?’ and ‘Is mandatory student drug testing the answer to the youth drug crisis?’
Their arguments were judged by Satish Rajwade, film director and business head at Star Pravah Marathi; Nidhi Choudhari, an IAS officer and director at National Gallery of Modern Art; and Commodore Kuldeep Tanksale, a former navy officer and a specialist in aviation.
After hearing the debates between the eight participants, an impressed Ashish Shelar, state minister of IT and cultural affairs who was also the chief guest, called Speak for India the ‘Strength of India’. Actor Vikrant Massey, who was the guest of honour, said: “India has a young population and after seeing the debate today, it is safe to say that India is in safe hands.” He advised the students: “Being successful is great, making money is great and fulfilling all your aspirations is great, but also by the end of it, I think collectively we have a responsibility, a social responsibility to empower the ones who are around us, to progress together and to move together.”
Federal Bank vice president Ajit Deshpande, said, “This competition serves as a valuable platform for students to voice their ideas and showcase their talents. Partnering with leading publications like The Times of India and Maharashtra Times adds significant prestige to the initiative. The event is held in Karnataka, Delhi NCR, Maharashtra,Tamil Nadu and Kerala. A key highlight of the event is the expert guidance students receive from distinguished chief guests and judges. Successfully organised for the past 10 years, this initiative has empowered thousands of students across the country by giving them the opportunity to shine.”
Dr Harmeet Kaur Bhasin, principal, Lala Lajpat Rai College of Commerce and Economics, said: “India’s strength has always been the voice of its youth, fearless, thoughtful and determined. Today, each word spoken here is a promise to our nation, a dream given ways.”