When preparation meets courage, voices travel far beyond classrooms. Chaibasa Engineering College, Part of the Techno India Group, witnessed this truth come alive as Harsha Kumari, a 2025 pass-out from Computer Science and Engineering, secured First Place at the National Youth Day 2026 Debate Competition, organised by TCS Empowers under the TCS Youth Employment Program.
Held on January 30, the national-level competition brought together some of the sharpest young minds from across India for an evening of ideas, articulation, and leadership. The event marked National Youth Day by celebrating the power of informed, confident youth voices in shaping meaningful conversations.
Harsha’s victory was the result of a journey defined by persistence. After reaching the finals in three consecutive TCS debate competitions, she returned stronger, clearer, and more composed—this time emerging at the very top. Competing against participants from 33 colleges and over 160 students nationwide, she impressed with her structured arguments, calm confidence, and ability to command attention with substance.
The competition was evaluated by a distinguished panel of industry leaders Sajid Ali, Chief Operating Officer of the Tech Mahindra Foundation; Krishna Mohan, Global Head of Cloud Business Unit at Tata Consultancy Services; and Sapthagiri Chapalapalli, Head – Europe at Tata Consultancy Services. Their presence added depth, credibility, and a real-world perspective to the evaluation process.
Adding to the sense of pride was Chaibasa Engineering College’s exceptional collective showing. Out of the eight national finalists, four students represented the institution, highlighting the Techno India Group’s emphasis on holistic education that nurtures communication, leadership, and confidence alongside technical excellence. Deepika Mahato, Rupa Kumari, and Md. Danish Qainain delivered noteworthy performances, earning national recognition.
These achievements are strongly supported by the institution’s six-year association with the TCS Youth Employment Program, which continues to create meaningful opportunities through skill development initiatives, special recruitment drives, and industry exposure experiences. Previous editions of similar TCS events have already resulted in job offers for Chaibasa Engineering College students, reinforcing the program’s real-world impact.
Reflecting on the milestone, Prof. D. Raha, Principal (I/C) and Professor-in-Charge of Training & Placement, expressed optimism about strengthening this partnership further to empower a larger community of students and prepare them for dynamic professional roles.
Harsha Kumari’s success is not just an individual achievement—it reflects the learning ecosystem fostered by Chaibasa Engineering College under the Techno India Group, where students are encouraged to think critically, speak confidently, and lead responsibly. As voices from Chaibasa continue to resonate on national platforms, the institution reaffirms its commitment to shaping future-ready professionals.
TIG congratulates Harsha Kumari and all the finalists and extends sincere appreciation to TCS Empowers and the Youth Employment Program for nurturing India’s next generation of confident leaders.