If one goes by a recent debate organised here, it would appear the city's gentry resolutely believes that populism is an enduring reality and not merely a passing phase in the form of Donald Trump's rise or Brexit.
The proposition -- 'The Rise of Populism - A passing Phase and Not An enduring reality' -- was defeated by a huge margin at the debate organised by the Old Students' Association of Hindu College at the India Habitat Centre yesterday.
Additional solicitor general Pinky Anand, a participant in the debate, perhaps summed it up best, saying populism will stay on "Jab tak sooraj chand rahega".
"Till the time you have an imperfect world, you will have populism. Due to socio-economic insecurities and cultural ethos, populism has been a consistent reality and will remain so," Anand, who was adjudged the best speaker, said.
The debate saw the alumni of five prestigious colleges of Delhi University -- Miranda House, Lady Shri Ram College, Shri Ram College of Commerce, Indraprastha College and Hindu College clashing.
However, the two-member team of Miranda House, that emerged victorius, argued in favour of the proposition.
Sonali Khan, one of the debaters, observed that the current wave of populism was going to be countered and was "inherently flawed" because it works on cleavages in the society.
However, speaking against the motion, Noopur Sen of SRCC argued that since populism was a reflection of existing social divisions, democracy itself sets the ground for its endurance while social media will only aid this process.
As the motion was put to vote through show-of-hands, the verdict was nearly unanimous - populism is here to stay.
The Old Students' Association (OSA) of Hindu College was established in 1958 and the debate organised yesterday was the fourth edition of its kind.
Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa and Delhi University vice-chancellor Yogesh Tyagi handed over the awards to the winners.
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