We are delighted to announce that the Rajalakshmi College of Engineering, in Chennai, India is bidding to host the 2014 World Universities Debating Championship.
REC has the full backing of the National Law School in Bangalore (a society that has for a decade, run South Asia's largest debate tournament) and RVCE (one of India’s strongest societies, and reigning Asian BP Champions). NLS and RVCE are helping run all aspects of the competition. Further, Chennai Worlds has substantial support from the entire Indian debating community and an organizational committee filled with the country's most able organizers.
In addition, we are committed to providing the highest quality of adjudication. Our CAs, Michael Baer (Stanford University - WUDC 2012 Finalist) and Harish Natarajan (Cambridge University - Twice EUDC Finalist), will be joined by a regional representative panel of 4 DCAs. The first will be appointed in the next few days; while the rest will be appointed through an application process in the summer. At least one DCA will be ESL or EFL. Further, we provide at least 30,000 Euros towards judge travel and at least 60 registration waivers.
The unprecedented and unequivocal support from REC’s administration (and from the entire Indian circuit) means that Chennai Worlds 2014 has considerable financial backing. REC is underwriting and partially funding the bid. Further we already have several sponsors lined up. The Times of India will serve as the competition’s official Media (Television and Newspaper) Partner. All of this will make Chennai Worlds an affordable, high-quality and unforgettable tournament.
Chennai Worlds has secured the ITC Grand Chola Hotel as the official hotel for all participants (http://www.itchotels.in/Hotels/itcgrandchola/gallery.aspx). Built in the heart of Chennai and designed in the style of Southern India's Imperial Chola empire, The Grand Chola is a luxurious 7* hotel (and when we say that, we mean it). It is not an overstatement to say that Worlds has never been hosted in a more spectacular hotel. We will also provide incredible socials, plenty of free alcohol, and delicious food to meet all dietary requirements (kosher, halal, vegan, lactose free etc).
Chennai is easy to get to and is well-connected to all of South Asia’s major attractions. Chennai is one of India’s largest cities, with direct (and reasonably priced) flights from Paris, Frankfurt, London, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Singapore and dozens of other locations. From Chennai it is easy to reach some of South Asia’s most historic and beautiful places. Goa - a beach paradise, Delhi, Agra (the Taj Mahal), the Himalayas, Nepal and Sri Lanka are a short distance away.
This is also a Worlds that can transform debating in the region. A South Asian Worlds would allow provide an opportunity for institutions to attend that have previously lacked the necessary means. It would increase the prestige of the activity throughout the India, and it would help Universities across the region gain greater administrative and financial support for their own societies. Chennai Worlds 2014 promises not only to be a great event, but a landmark in taking debating in India to the next level.
Chennai Worlds is prepared, affordable, and eager to welcome you all to an unforgettable tournament in Incredible India. If you are interested in more details, please visit our FB groups, our website www.chennaiworlds.com or follow is on twitter (@chennaiworlds). You’ll soon be able to download our bid book, which will cover our plans in details. In the meantime, if you have any questions, feel free to contact us. We hope that you’ll support us in bringing the 34th World Universities Debating Championship to India.
Regards, Arindam Ghosh (a.ghosh1301@gmail.com) Prospective Convenor Chennai Worlds 2014
Michael Baer (michaelhbaer@gmail.com) Prospective Co-Chief Adjudicator Chennai Worlds 2014
Harish Natarajan (hknatarajan@gmail.com) Prospective Co-Chief Adjudicator Chennai Worlds 2014
