CISF Shines as NHRC Hosts 30th Annual CAPF Debate on Balancing National Security and Human Rights

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) delivered an outstanding performance, lifting the running trophy as the best-performing team.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, successfully conducted the final round of its prestigious 30th Annual Debate Competition for Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) in New Delhi. Organized in collaboration with the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), the event brought together sharp minds and diverse perspectives on the timely and compelling topic:

“Human rights can be observed by paramilitary forces without compromising national security concerns.”

A total of 16 finalists—selected through rigorous zonal and semifinal rounds across the country—competed in both Hindi and English categories. The competition aimed not only to sharpen analytical and communication skills but also to inspire internal reflection among uniformed forces on the ethical and constitutional dimensions of their role.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) delivered an outstanding performance, lifting the running trophy as the best-performing team.

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Individual Awards

• Hindi Category

  • 1st Prize: Shri Mayank Verma, Assistant Commandant, CISF

  • 2nd Prize: Shri Deepak Singh Yadav, Recruit GD, Assam Rifles

  • 3rd Prize: Shri Ashutosh Singh, Constable, BSF

• English Category

  • 1st Prize: Ms. Arundhathi V., Assistant Commandant, CISF

  • 2nd Prize: Maj. Aditya Patil, Assam Rifles

  • 3rd Prize: Shri Naresh Chandra Bajetha, Assistant Commandant, NSG

Along with certificates and mementos, the winners received cash prizes of ₹12,000, ₹10,000 and ₹8,000 respectively.

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🎤 Speeches and Highlights

NHRC Chairperson, Justice V. Ramasubramanian, congratulated all participants and praised their clarity of thought and balanced arguments. He emphasized that the debate reflects a larger global conversation, noting that the tension between security and humanity has existed “since ancient times,” citing examples from the Ramayana and Mahabharata to show that moral restraint during conflict is a deeply rooted tradition in Indian civilization.

He reiterated that it is a misconception that human rights limits the efficiency of forces and stated:

“Balance is the essence of duty. National security and human rights are not contradictory but complementary.”

NHRC Member and Chief of Jury, Smt. Vijaya Bharathi Sayani, echoed his sentiments, noting that security forces are protectors not just of borders, but also of democratic values.

NHRC Secretary General, Shri Bharat Lal, highlighted that constitutional guarantees such as equality, justice, and liberty become meaningful only when law enforcement agencies maintain peace. He reminded attendees that authority must always be paired with accountability.

Special DG SSB, Smt. Anupama Nilekar Chandra, appreciated the bilingual nature of the competition and the structured methodology evolved over three decades.

Senior officials including Dr. Meeran Chadha Borwankar, Former DG BPR&D, and Prof. Rajini Abbi, Director South Campus, University of Delhi, served as jury members. NHRC SSP Shri Hari Lal Chouhan concluded the ceremony with a formal vote of thanks.

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Significance of the Event

For the past 30 years, this annual debate has served as a unique platform fostering a culture of thoughtful discourse among India’s frontline security forces. It plays a key role in strengthening the understanding that protecting the nation and upholding human dignity are shared and inseparable responsibilities.