Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
I have been a part of SSMS for the past 2 years and played a major role in the negotiations of the new food service providers. I have also been involved in sub-committees of SSMS.
Q: What motivates you to contest for the post?
Before coming to BITS, I had read that there were no suicides on campus. However, when I arrived, I heard that it was not the case, and there were many issues that students were facing. When first-year pharmacy students arrive on campus, the first thing they hear is that they won’t get placed because their branch is inferior to that of others. Apart from such issues, there are core problems like internet speeds, fee hikes, and the sum total of these issues is what motivates me to contest for the post.
Q: How did you go about building a camp and manifesto?
The first step was my realization that I really wanted to stand for the Presidency. After a good deal of introspection, I decided to act upon it. My camp started from my wing and after explaining my vision to them, they decided to join me. We made a team, and found campaigners for the same. I believe that the SU has largely been fest-centric, and so I created my manifesto to make it more student-centric.
Q: What percentage of your manifesto points do you hope to fulfil?
I believe that all my manifesto points are achievable. Instead of creating a flashy manifesto, I worked a lot on its feasibility. This is why I am sure that all of my points will be covered during my tenure.
Q: How would you rate the performance of this year’s SU?
Our SU has done some good work, like the Ola deal that was signed recently. However, I feel that a lot more can be done to make the SU more student-centric and to shift the main focus away from college festivals.
Q: What do you think of the relation between SU and the institute?
Naturally there is strong coordination that is required between the SU and the Institute. I feel that the Institute should be more answerable to the SU. I believe that the students should get clear reasons behind moves like fee hikes. I am not saying that I am against these decisions, but I simply want better communication between the parties involved.
Q: What should one seek from an ideal General Secretary or President?
The most important quality that the SU president should have is the ability to be a normal person, without being power-driven. He or she should be able to think like a student, and empathize with the student body.
Q: What do you think of even semester elections, and how has this affected your manifesto and your campaigning strategies?
I prefer the current timeline for elections. The first years who are new on campus can easily be swayed by flashy manifestos which is a major problem. In this system, our voters are more informed and can make better decisions. The news of the shift in election dates was announced before I decided to run, and thus it never affected my strategy.
Q: Do you believe other forms of campaigning – online, rallies, posters, sloganeering etc. should be allowed?
I am satisfied with the current process. I feel that BITSians will lose their decency if we allow rallies and sloganeering, as this might lead to conflicts and hurling of abuses. The reputation of the college should be held in high esteem, and any practice should not hinder the campus culture.
Q: What do you think of the competition, and how confident of winning are you?
It’s hard to guess what will happen on the 8th. The competition is healthy, and I’m confident of winning.
Q: Any message for BITSians?
My message is to not vote for the candidates, but for their visions. I think there are many problems that need be dealt with, but above all, the SU should remain united.