Purva paksha is the idea of strengthening the opposing viewpoint before refuting it. It is an ancient Indian tradition of debate.

So we built on the purva paksha idea to develop a new format. It has one moderator and two speakers presenting the opposing views. The debate can have the following seven segments.

Segment 1 is Paksha - The Proposition, where the Speaker A presents the foundational argument.

Segment 2 is Khandana - Refutation, where Speaker B first strengthens Speaker A’s argument, and then systematically refutes the strengthened version.

Segment 3 is Prativaada - Counter-Response, where Speaker A presents the opposition's strongest case then refutes this strengthened opposition.

Segment 4 is Sabha Prashne - First Set of Assembly Questions where we open the floor for discussion.

Segment 5 is Pramaana - Evidence Discussion, where we discuss the evidence or developments that would force each speaker to change their mind.

Segment 6 is Sabha Prashne - Second Set of Assembly Questions (Open the floor for discussion)

Segment 7 is Samanvaya - Synthesis where each speaker acknowledges compelling points from the other and identifies convergence without forcing agreement.

Our first experiment in this format was a debate in partnership with @bicblr on the proposition: India should develop closer relations with China.

Try this format and let us know. Photos courtesy @souravm_gbc /end

@souravm_gbc cc: @acorn

@pranaykotas @theChinaDude @TakshashilaInst @bicblr @souravm_gbc LOVE THIS Tell me more about this Purva Paksha thing, pls

@pranaykotas @theChinaDude @TakshashilaInst @bicblr @souravm_gbc this is good. would love more such debates on topics related to society, politics and technology. when is the next one?

@pranaykotas @sanjayuvacha @theChinaDude @souravm_gbc This new format is still a Debate. Debate is like any other sport. If you lose in a debate you are not going to accept your side is wrong. You will go back and think of better arguments , worse even more extreme arguments.

@pranaykotas @theChinaDude @TakshashilaInst @bicblr @souravm_gbc For that you first need those who are discussing to be willing to learn from each other genuinely.

@pranaykotas @theChinaDude @TakshashilaInst @bicblr @souravm_gbc Interesting! Would you have a recording of this discussion on YouTube?

@pranaykotas @acorn @theChinaDude @TakshashilaInst @bicblr @souravm_gbc Thakshashila should be the Vishwaguru again !

@pranaykotas @theChinaDude @TakshashilaInst @bicblr @souravm_gbc Good stuff and much needed to rediscover and apply/ adapt the tradition of debate in India, to our contemporary context

@pranaykotas @theChinaDude @TakshashilaInst @bicblr @souravm_gbc Interesting! Is there any example on YouTube of such a format being used, so that I can understand it better?

@pranaykotas @theChinaDude @TakshashilaInst @bicblr @souravm_gbc Fabulous idea. Great job @pranaykotas and team.

@pranaykotas @theChinaDude @TakshashilaInst @bicblr @souravm_gbc If anyone needs to ponder on this Arnab does! @republic