In a world full of conflicts at every level, the need to solve them in the most human way possible gave birth to the concept of Verbattle. Everyone needs to contribute to shaping children and youth into good citizens of tomorrow—citizens who will believe in democracy, civil society, and the values of humanity. Since not many people are doing enough in this regard, Verbattle was created to inculcate and strengthen these values among children and youth.
Verbattle is a portmanteau of "Verbal Battle." It was started in 2005 by media professional Deepak Thimaya, who has worked extensively with children and teachers to understand the challenges of the education system and devise methods of multidimensional education. As a media professional, he has been lauded for his belief in and commitment to a free and democratic society, upheld by responsibilities.
Verbattle has found many expressions, most importantly through its competitions: Verbattle Beginner for young children, Verbattle Junior for high school students, and Verbattle Senior for college youth. It is a platform for debate and dialogue, encouraging the exchange of thoughts and ideas while aiming to make children and youth right-thinking, self-reliant, aware, and responsible.
Verbattle debates are not only about participants sticking to their points of view and arguing them. What makes Verbattle unique is its focus on helping participants see the other side of the argument and the opponent’s perspective. Verbattle believes there is no advantage in sticking to one’s guns when one doesn’t understand what the target is. By encouraging participants to see the other side, understand another person’s point of view, and, if possible, step into their opponent’s shoes, Verbattle aims to resolve misunderstandings and conflicts. A Verbattle debate is not just about speaking but also about listening—listening to understand and learn.
For a stronger and better democracy and civil society in the future, it is essential to help children and youth practically understand the benefits of a democratic way of life: the courage and ease to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with an opponent, continue to dissent, and still live together harmoniously. Verbattle believes democracy is a system where one learns to coexist with people, even when disagreements persist.
Additionally, Verbattle aims to make children and youth more civilized, sociable, democratic, and tolerant. In this way, every effort of Verbattle is an investment in a safe and secure future, one with freedom and dignity for every citizen.
In the long run, Verbattle hopes its activities will help create sensible, responsible, and intelligent leaders who can see multiple sides of an issue and work toward the solution that is most acceptable to the times and the people.
Currently based in Bangalore, Verbattle is rapidly expanding its activities and is associated with many like-minded organizations worldwide. Its working partnerships with a few international organizations give it a global edge.
Verbattle aims to grow into an international platform and seeks support and encouragement to achieve this vision.
Those associated with Verbattle are confident that it is a gift from today to the world of tomorrow.
We hope that everyone who encounters this effort recognizes that amid a lot of hopelessness, an initiative like Verbattle is underway in our society and our world.
