Anoushka Kale, a British Indian student at the University of Cambridge, has been elected as the President of the prestigious Cambridge Union Society for the Easter 2025 term. Known as one of the oldest debating societies in the world, the Cambridge Union has championed free speech since 1815. Kale won the election uncontested, securing 126 votes.
Currently serving as the society’s Debate Officer, Kale campaigned on a platform focused on strengthening ties with cultural groups at the university, particularly the India Society. She expressed her excitement and gratitude, saying she was “absolutely delighted and honored to have been elected as President” and thankful for the membership’s support.
In her upcoming term, Kale aims to foster greater diversity and accessibility at the Union, building on her prior work hosting international speakers and global debate motions. Kale, a 20-year-old English Literature student at Sidney Sussex College, is among the few South Asian female members to hold this prestigious role.
The Cambridge Union Society, with its distinguished history, has seen prominent figures like John Maynard Keynes, Robert Harris, Karan Bilimoria, US Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan, UK Prime Ministers Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, John Major, as well as Stephen Hawking and Bill Gates speak in its chamber.
Kale also mentioned her plan to reduce access tickets for the Union’s summer garden party, following the society’s decision to increase prices amid financial pressures related to the upkeep of its Grade-II listed heritage building. She remains committed to delivering her manifesto promises, particularly expanding diversity through collaborations with various societies.
