The Debate competition held by SNAS (Society of Naval Architecture Students) on 17 april .The debate competition on the topic “The Indian Subcontinent’s Secularism Should Embrace a Post-Caste Society, Ending Caste-Based Reservations” sparked fervent discussion among participants and spectators alike.
Advocates for ending caste-based reservations argued that such affirmative action perpetuates caste divisions and inhibits social mobility, hindering the nation’s progress towards a truly egalitarian society. They emphasized the need for a meritocratic system where opportunities are based solely on individual merit rather than caste identity. Conversely, proponents of retaining reservations highlighted the entrenched socio-economic disparities resulting from centuries of caste-based discrimination, insisting that affirmative action is essential to uplift marginalized communities and ensure their representation in all spheres of society. The debate illuminated the complexities inherent in balancing social justice with the principles of secularism, leaving the audience pondering the path towards a more equitable future for the Indian subcontinent.
