India, Dec. 7 -- The Oxford Union, founded in 1823, has long been regarded as one of the world's foremost platforms for rigorous debate and fearless exchange of ideas. For two centuries it welcomed statesmen, scientists, revolutionaries and thinkers. From Winston Churchill to Albert Einstein, it earned a reputation as a temple of open discourse guided by the principle of seeking truth above all else. Its motto, "Non sibi sed toti", translating as not for one, but for all, encapsulated a commitment to universal truth seeking.

Yet in recent years, the Union has repeatedly allowed its prestige to be exploited for partisan propaganda, particularly in debates involving contentious subjects like Pakistan and terrorism. The events of 27 Novembe...