Kohima, July 19: The Assam Rifles organised a Bystander Debate Competition under Project Empathy at Assam Rifles Public School (ARPS), Kohima, on July 18 to promote empathy, moral courage and responsible citizenship among students.

The competition, held on the theme “Bystander: See It. Think It. Speak It. Change It.”, witnessed enthusiastic participation from students of Classes VI to X, who presented thoughtful arguments on the role of bystanders in addressing bullying, discrimination and other social challenges.
The programme aimed to sensitise young minds to the importance of standing up against injustice and fostering a culture of compassion, inclusion and mutual respect. Through engaging debates, participants highlighted how responsible intervention by ordinary individuals can make a significant difference in preventing harmful behaviour and creating safer communities.
Students expressed diverse perspectives on the responsibilities of bystanders, emphasising that silence in the face of wrongdoing often enables injustice, while timely action and empathy can help protect victims and promote positive social change.
The event was graced by Maj Gen H. S. Mavi, Inspector General, Assam Rifles (North), as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, he lauded the students for their confidence, critical thinking and articulate presentations. He encouraged them to uphold the values of empathy, integrity and social responsibility in their everyday lives and to become responsible citizens committed to building a more compassionate society.
Teachers and school authorities appreciated the initiative, noting that such programmes help students develop communication skills, ethical values and leadership qualities while encouraging them to become active contributors to a safe and inclusive environment.
The debate competition concluded with enthusiastic participation from students, reaffirming the Assam Rifles' commitment to youth development, value-based education and strengthening community engagement through meaningful educational initiatives under Project Empathy.