Yale Hindi Debate

The Yale Hindi Debate is the only Hindi-language national debate in the United States. Students from across the country debate resolutions in areas such as disinformation, space exploration, and nationalism. All Yale students at L3 and above participate in the debate’s preliminary round.

The 2025 Yale Hindi Debate will be held on the following dates:

• April 4th: Preliminary Round (Yale Internal)
• April 18th: National Round

Rules

Each speaker will make a three-minute speech in Hindi before the audience. After the speech, the speaker will answer one question, asked and answered in Hindi, from the audience. The speaker will be awarded a score out of 30 based on the following criteria.

Argumentation (10):

• Each speaker will make a three-minute speech in Hindi before the audience. After the speech, the speaker will answer one question, asked and answered in Hindi, from the audience. The speaker will be awarded a score out of 30 based on the following criteria.
  • Argumentation (10):
    • Speaker’s argument is well-crafted and follows a logical sequence (4)
    • Speaker addresses the arguments of possible opponents without deliberate misrepresentation (2)
    • Speaker’s argument demonstrates a clear understanding of the resolution and the questions it poses (2)
    • Speaker’s argument incorporates research and evidence where appropriate (2)
  • Presentation (10): The speaker articulates words clearly, reading minimally from their prepared remarks, and minimizes the use of any non-Hindi words; the speaker makes eye contact, is not distracted, and maintains posture.

Interjection (5): The speaker answers the interjector’s question confidently, effectively, and without deviating from the ideas expressed in their argument.

• Miscellaneous (5): The speaker fulfills the expectations of a Yale Hindi Debate participant, including wearing suitable attire, refraining from impolite or personal remarks, and abiding by the time-limit.
• The Best Interjector
  • Whoever asks the single best question of the day will receive the Best Interjector prize, recognizing their contribution as a questioner, not a speaker, to the Yale Hindi Debate. Interjections are scored by the judges out of five potential marks. To be considered for the Best Interjector prize, the questioner must be sure to state their name at the beginning of their question.
    • Language
      • Speakers should seek to avoid using English in their speeches, but prize understanding above all. The use of both Sanskritized and Persianized Hindustani is welcome.
• Time Limit
  • The time allotted for speeches is three (3) minutes. Speakers can be over or under that time by up to one minute, meaning a speech can be anywhere from two to four (2-4) minutes. A speaker whose speech is shorter than two (2) minutes or longer than four (4) minutes will lose points in the Miscellaneous category.
• Decorum
  • Speakers may not address another speaker or a questioner by name, and should not make any rude or impersonal remarks over the course of the debate.
• Attire
  • Speakers may wear business casual, business, or formal South Asian clothing.

Logistics

• Travel
  • The Yale Hindi Debate offers last-dollar reimbursement for travel for students participating in the Yale Hindi Debate. This means that we offer funding as a last resort, after participating schools have used their own resources. Due to budgetary restrictions, we are unable to offer full funding for travel in all cases. The map below illustrates the maximum amount that can be reimbursed for students traveling from a given part of the country to New Haven for the debate.
    • Zone 1: Northeast, $100
      • Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, D.C.
    • Zone 2: South $300
      • Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Florida
    • Zone 3: Midwest $300
      • Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Louisiana
    • Zone 4: West $500
      • Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona
    • Zone 5: Alaska + Hawaii
  • The Yale Hindi Debate team will book travel on behalf of participating students in cases where expenses fall within the stipulated maximum amount. In cases where expenses exceed the maximum, Yale will reimburse the student or university for expenses up to the maximum amount.
• Lodging
  • When in New Haven, students stay with student hosts in Yale’s on- and off-campus housing. We do not offer travel reimbursements to faculty members wishing to attend the debate.

    • In case of a pandemic or other health emergency, visiting students will be accommodated in hotel rooms off-campus. Plans subject to change and contingent on Yale policy.

       

If you have questions, please email pranet.sharma@yale.edu and a member of the Yale Hindi Debate team will be in touch shortly.