Bunga Azaadi Debates
Proposed Debate Format
Bunga Azaadi Debate Format
General Format — This format may change over time, or be tweaked per debate as necessary. The following is the current proposal:
Introduction to the debate and speakers (5min)
Pre-Debate Vote (5min)
Opening statements (7min each)
Stongman* — Rebuttals (7min each)
Open Discussion (Moderated) (10-15min)
Closing Statements (2min)
Sangat Q&A (10-15min)
Post-Debate Vote (5min)
Bunga Statement Of Position (5min)
Results & End
Notes:
Strongman* — Before you present your rebuttal, you have to summarise your opponents argument in a manner they are satisfied with (moderator’s discretion). Rebuttal timer starts only after this is done successfully.
i. Sangat attending as audience will vote once before the debate and again afterwards. The side that changed the most minds (not the side with most votes), wins the Sangat vote.
ii. However, just because the audience votes one way, doesn’t mean that they are always “right”. Ultimately, each self-autonomous member of the Khalsa decides for themselves, these debates provide a way to gauge perspectives. The Bunga will also offer an opinion/Vichaar too post debate to help with judgements.
Rules
General Rules
Ideas > Egos
No idea is above questioning, so long as it is done respectfully.
No topic is taboo, so long as it can be argued to have a benefit for the Panth.
Moderators must be adhered to.
Topic Ideas
Feel free to suggest more in comments or via direct message
Khalistan, For or Against
Is Sikhi A Part Of Hinduism
Consumption Of Meat
Samparda Lineage Claims
Immigration Policy For A Sikh State
Death Penalty, For or Against
Stance On Nuclear Weapons
Sant Baba Culture
Abortion
And More! Let Us Know More Debate Topics!
Get Involved
If you wish to test your beliefs, defend your positions or counter another's, then sign up as a debater using the link in bio or get in touch. You can debate anonymously if you desire as these will primarily take place online to begin with. Open to any Sikh around the world to participate in.
Visions
Our vision with this is to create spaces where Sikhs can debate and disagree in a professional manner rather than in the largely immature ways we experience today. Additionally, there are too many ideological cowards today, brushing issues under the carpet so that they fester and come out later in even worse ways. Many fools have attached their egos to their ideas, and this is a problem since an attack on their idea is then perceived as an attack on their ego. This needs to change.
Without platforms and avenues in which to express disagreements professionally, stress test ideas and share new ones, this Panth will stagnate in an era where innovation is crucial. Therefore Bunga Azaadi will now be offering a platform to have moderated, structured debates to provide an opportunity for the Panth to develop a better way to disagree and consider new perspectives.
If this format works well, then perhaps we could utilise it to arbitrate internal disputes in future too. It is up to you as the Sangat to determine its success.