GDC RS Pura Lifts 24th Veeranna Aivalli Running Team Trophy at IIPA J&K Annual Debate Competition

JAMMU: The GDC RS Pura Jammu today lifted the 24th Veeranna Aivalli Running Team Trophy. Its team comprising Sarbjeet Heera and Mridul Sharma were adjudged as the winners in the competition. It was organised by the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), J&K Regional Branch, in collaboration with the J&K Police and the Department of Students Welfare, University of Jammu IIPA, J&K RB annually hosts the Debating Competition in the memory of Late Veeranna Aivalli, IPS & founder Honorary Secretary of IIPA for his unprecedented contribution to IIPA and public Administration at Brig Rajinder Singh Auditorium in the Jammu University.

In the individual category, Shilpa Devi from Jammu College of Physiotherapy bagged the first prize of Rs 7000, the second Prize of Rs 5000 went to Kum kum Sharma from the Cluster University of Jammu, and the 3rd prize of Rs 3000 to Sarbjeet Heera from GDC Heera. Besides, three consolation prizes were awarded to Hemanya Puri and Ankita Sharma from the Law School, University of Jammu and Aditi Mahajan of MIER College.

Sh. Nalin Prabhat, IPS Director General of Police was the Chief Guest while Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean, Research Studies, University of Jammu was the Guest of Honour. Sh B.R. Sharma IAS (Retd) Chairman IIPA, J&K Regional Branch and Dr Ashok Bhan ,IPS (Retd) Patron, IIPA, J&K Regional Branch presided over the function. Girish Aivalli and  Nitish Aivalli son of the late Veeranna Aivalli also attended the function.

The topic of the debate was “In the opinion of the House, Artificial Intelligence will diminish human creativity.” Thirty five teams from various affiliated colleges, University teaching departments, and institutions across the region participated in the competition, showcasing the talent and enthusiasm of the youth.

During the debate, speakers supporting the motion argued that excessive reliance on AI gradually undermines human creativity by encouraging dependency and cognitive offloading, thereby diminishing originality and critical thinking. In contrast, those opposing the motion maintained that AI serves merely as an enabling tool that enhances efficiency, while creativity remains inherently human—driven by emotion, intent, and lived experience.

The ceremony was attended by a distinguished gathering of serving and retired police officers, office bearers and executive committee members of IIPA, faculty members from the University of Jammu, students, and members of the civil society. This event highlighted the bonding between academia, public administration, and civil society, and the continued relevance of Shri Veeranna Aivalli's vision in inspiring meaningful discussions on critical national issues.

Mr Girish Aivalli fondly remembered his father and expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the continued efforts to uphold his father’s ideas and values by organizing this event for the past 24 years. Speaking on the occasion, Sh. Nalin Prabhat, IPS Director General of Police talked about the contributions of shri Veerana Aivalli. Speaking on the topic of debate he talked about the decline of creativity because of AI.

Prof. Neelu Rohmetra paid a solemn memorial tribute through her words, honoring the memory and legacy of Veerana Aivalli. Sh B.R. Sharma IAS ( retd) Chairman IIPA, J&K Regional Branch and Dr Ashok Bhan.,IPS (Rwtd) Patron, IIPA, J&K Regional Branch talked about Aivalli's intellectual brilliance, bravery, and commitment to selfless public service. He shared his insights on the topic and discussed about the pros and cons of Ai.

Dr. Ashok Bhan, IPS (Retd), Patron of the IIPA, J&K Regional Branch, congratulated all participants for their involvement in the event. He also paid tribute to the martyrs who lost their lives in the recent terrorist attacks, saluting their sacrifice and service to the nation. 

Er M.M. Gupta, Director Seminars, IIPA JKRB delivered the welcome address and Prof Alka Sharma, Honorary Secretary IIPA J&K Regional Branch presented the formal vote of thanks. Prof Anil Gupta, Joint Secretary, IIPA conducted the proceedings in the prize distribution function.

Earlier in the day, Prof Monika Chadha, Chairperson, Campus Cultural Committee University of Jammu, declared the Competition open. Prof Alka Sharma, Honorary Secretary IIPA, J&K Regional Branch recalled the contributions of late Aivalli and,  delivered the welcome address, Dr. Pallavi Sachdeva Teacher in Charge Debate introduced the rules and regulations for the debate competition.

The adjudicators for the event were Prof. Posh Charak, Prof. Parmeshwari Sharma, and Prof. Komal Nagar and the rapporteurs were Ms. Ananya and Ms. Avni Verma. The event was coordinated by Ms. Naresh, Ms, Sulakshana and Mr.Avinash who ensured its smooth execution.