By Muntaha Amin

The debate between Javed Akhtar and Mufti Shamail is trending everywhere, sparking conversations across social media and living rooms alike. The buzz drew me in to watch the full discussion, titled Does God Exist?

As an observer, I wasn’t just paying attention to the arguments. What struck me most was the way the exchange unfolded and the reactions it sparked.

What I want to reflect on is the nature of debates themselves, especially this style of presenting arguments and counter-arguments within a fixed time frame.

This way of sharing knowledge often feels self-defeating. It rarely seems like anyone truly gains anything meaningful from the exchange.

If you watch the audience closely, their cheering, laughter, smiles, and overall energy reveal a lot about how people react.

Every answer sparked an emotional response, whether applause or laughter. These reactions tapped into a deep sense of pride tied to identity, boosting the audience’s ego no matter which side they supported.

It reminded me of the Zakir Naik debates that often........

© Kashmir Observer