Gurgaon, Jan 29 : The Teen Debater Foundation (TTD is revolutionizing education in India by harnessing the power of debate to cultivate essential leadership skills among students. Founded by Shivansh Gupta, a 16-year-old student from Heritage Xperiential International School, TTD has already established debate clubs in 250+ schools, impacting over 10,000 students nationwide. The organization’s mission is to equip Indian youth with critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, preparing them to be future leaders who drive national progress.
Debate as a Catalyst for Leadership
While often seen as just an extracurricular activity, debating is proving to be a transformative tool in shaping young minds. It enhances analytical thinking, fosters empathy, and develops structured reasoning, allowing students to evaluate problems from multiple perspectives.
Debating isn’t just about winning arguments—it’s about learning to structure thoughts, analyze complex issues, and engage meaningfully with diverse viewpoints,” says Shivansh Gupta, Founder of TTD.
Through debate, students gain essential life skills that extend beyond academics. TTD’s programs help them:
✔ Analyze and address complex problems logically.
✔ Develop evidence-based arguments and persuasive communication.
✔ Strengthen collaboration and teamwork by engaging with diverse perspectives.
Inclusive Learning: Bridging Educational Gaps
TTD is committed to making debate accessible to all students, not just those in elite schools. The foundation has actively conducted training programs for marginalized communities, ensuring equal opportunities for learning. Recent sessions at Avsara Academy, Pune, and Shiksha Kendra, DPS Gurgaon, have provided students from underprivileged backgrounds access to high-quality debating platforms.
Moreover, TTD offers students opportunities to compete internationally, exposing them to global perspectives and challenges. Participants trained by TTD have represented India in prestigious national and international tournaments, further enhancing their skills.
Beyond Debate: Leadership & Entrepreneurship
TTD goes beyond debating to instill leadership and entrepreneurial skills in students. The foundation’s student-led Organizing and Management Committee enables young debaters to manage events, lead projects, and conduct training sessions, preparing them to take on leadership roles in the future.
“With every debate, we’re not just training students to argue effectively; we’re preparing them to lead with clarity, empathy, and innovation,” says Shivansh.
To make debate accessible on a larger scale, TTD also conducts virtual sessions, with over 500+ participants regularly engaging in structured debates.
Paving the Way for India’s Future Leaders
With its innovative approach and commitment to inclusivity, the Teen Debater Foundation is shaping a new generation of confident, capable leaders. Shivansh envisions India as a global leader in the next decade, and he believes that empowering young minds with **critical thinking and problem-solving skills** is essential to achieving that goal.
“The Teen Debater Foundation is my effort to turn this vision into reality. If we want India to lead the world, we must equip our youth with the skills to think, analyze, and contribute effectively,” he adds.
By making debate an integral part of education, TTD is lighting the path for India’s youth to step into the future with confidence and clarity.
