Words flew like bullets over the idea of intolerance at the calcutta Club The telegraph national debate 2016

(L-R) Speakers Anupam Kher, Kajol and Suhel Seth, Camellia Group chairman N.R. Dutta, speaker Justice Asok Ganguly, moderator Mukul Kesavan, speakers Randeep Surjewala and Barkha Dutt after the Calcutta Club The Telegraph National Debate 2016, presented by the Camellia Group on the club lawns on March 5. The motion for the debate “In the opinion of the house tolerance is the new intolerance” saw impassioned arguments from both the proposition with Suhel Seth opening for them, followed by Kajol and Anupam Kher, and the opposition led by Justice Asok Ganguly and followed by Randeep Surjewala and Barkha Dutt. After an inconclusive show of hands, not once but thrice, the debate was declared ‘dead heat’ (tie) by Mukul Kesavan. “The debate was fantastic and the motion topical. We are proud to be associated with such a prestigious event and hope to be so for a long time to come,” said Dutta. The debate was held in association with Maruti Suzuki & Ballantine’s Stay True Golf Retreat, with hospitality partner Taj Bengal and realty partner Multicon Group. 

 

“The topic was really good. I feel we should be tolerant! Barkha was good and Kajol was stunning. Both their views were completely non-political. I feel Anupam Kher went personal, which he shouldn’t have and he politicised the whole debate,” said Subroto Pakrasi, a retired man from Ballygunge.

“This was my first time at the Calcutta Club The Telegraph Debate and I was really looking forward to seeing Kajol speak as well as hearing Suhel’s arguments. The motion was wisely chosen because it is very topical and everyone is debating on it. I feel Barkha Dutt spoke the best,” said Neelu Jhunjhunwala, a homemaker. 

“I was looking forward to hearing Kajol, after watching her bold answers in the TV show Kucch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai, hosted by Anupam Kher. She was good today but a little vague. I feel Barkha Dutt and Anupam Kher stole the show. I could not decide, which side to vote, though personally I am against the motion,” said Vedika Bhaia, a Class XI student of Modern High School for Girls.

“Anupam Kher appealed to me the most because his speech had facts and gravity. I am for the motion, and we should do something about it. And I was looking forward to hear Barkha Dutt because she is the best journalist and has inspired a lot of youngsters,” said Ishani Goenka, a marketing professional.

“The debate was really lively. Some speakers drew too many political references, which I did not like. Barkha Dutt was the best and she summed up really well,” said Vidhi Popat, who graduated from St. Xavier’s College this year. 

“I was looking forward to Suhel Seth and Barkha Dutt as they are excellent orators. Every year, no matter where I am, I make sure to travel back so that I can attend The Telegraph Debate,” said Subhadra Singh, an entrepreneur.

“The topic and the speakers drew me to this debate. I was expecting fireworks from Suhel Seth and Anupam Kher and I wasn’t disappointed. Kajol was lovely but I don’t think a debate is her forte,” said Rajni Goenka, a homemaker. 

WOW! A RADIANT KAJOL WAS THE SHOWSTOPPER OF THE DEBATE, ON AND OFF STAGE. WE JUST CHOSE TO STOP AND STARE....

BEAUTIFUL IN BLUE

Autograph seekers to admiring fans, everyone made a beeline for Kajol as soon as the stunner walked down to the Taj Bengal lobby, the event’s hospitality partner. After posing for a selfie and signing a few autographs, Kajol got into the car to make her way to Calcutta Club, but not before a quick wave and a smile at the fans standing by. 

It was really exciting to be part of The Telegraph Debate, hosting the speakers and finally being part of a thought-provoking and dynamic evening —  Samrat Datta, GM, Taj Bengal