Those not in the know frequently assume that the Premchand Memorial Debate is named in the memory of the great Hindi littérateur Munshi Premchand.

However, that is not the case. Our flagship event is actually named in honour of  a famous teacher.

Professor Premchand was a legendary teacher in Hindu College during the thirties and forties. Within the classroom, he taught philosophy but as the countless students nurtured by him would testify, he was an inspiring personality who went much beyond strict academic boundaries.

Professor Premchand was one of the major driving forces behind the unique institution of the Hindu College Parliament and under his guidance, this essentially debating platform became a hotbed of nationalist struggle. He was instrumental in ensuring that several national leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhash Chandra Bose addressed students at the Parliament.

He was a keen patron of music, arts and debating and along with such luminaries as NV Thadani [Principal of the College not once but twice] played a major role in establishing Hindu College as one of the most illustrious colleges in the country.

The English Debating Society takes pride in organizing our flagship event in memory of this great teacher and mentor.