In pictures: Bengal’s and the country’s sharpest minds star at The Telegraph National Debate

Snapshots from the Sister Nivedita University presents Calcutta Club The Telegraph National Debate 2026

Mohul Bhattacharya

Published 22.02.26, 01:35 PM

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A filled up ground at the Calcutta Club. All pictures by: Amit Datta

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Samik Bhattacharya, Sambit Patra, Jisnu Basu and Swapan Dasgupta during The Telegraph National Debate at Calcutta Club on February 21, 2026.

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Abhirup Sarkar.

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Saira Shah Halim during The Telegraph National Debate at Calcutta Club on February 21, 2026.

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Jaideep Gupta during The Telegraph National Debate at Calcutta Club on February 21, 2026.

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Sambit Patra recites the Mahalaya mantra on stage.

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Jisnu Basu.

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The panelist before the debate.

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Samik Bhattacharya.

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Sugata Bose.

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Vir Sanghvi.

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Swapan Dasgupta.

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Kasturi Raha.

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Ramaditya Ray, Director of Calcutta Club.

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The panelists gather on stage.

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The audience vote for or against the motion.

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Audience engaged in the debate.