With Oasis ’26 right around the corner, the Oasis English Press sat down with Ishaan Sinha, the Coordinator of the Safety and Medical Advisory Council (SMAC), to learn more about the council’s responsibilities during Oasis. Ishaan stated that SMAC oversaw medical emergencies during the fest. They arrange paramedics from local hospitals, or Delhi if the budget permits, and keep ambulances on standby. They are also responsible for maintaining inventory for medical necessities, which they discuss and collect from Med-C beforehand.

He pointed out that one of the key obstacles faced by SMAC was budget approval. Due to the need for a large inventory of items, budget constraints often restricted them. However, he added that they were able to arrange for a comfortable budget this time around, through a negotiation with the Chief Warden.

Regarding the SMAC workforce, he mentioned that the freshers handled a large chunk of the on-ground work. Their duties included accompanying patients to Med-C or Birla Sarvajanik Hospital and staying with them until a warden or friend arrived. Additionally, two first-years and one senior would be present at the inventory tent at any given time, in case of emergencies. Volunteers are on standby during concerts and at night, since that is when most emergencies are prone to occur.

About his experience as the Coordinator, Ishaan mentioned that it had been smooth sailing; as long as he met all the deadlines and arranged the necessary amenities, his work never got too hectic. He elaborated that communication with StuCCA had also been quite easy, and he had faced no challenges in those matters.

On a concluding note, he said that the council’s contact information was posted in the common rooms of every hostel in case of emergencies. He advised students to enjoy the fest while practising caution where necessary, noting that many injuries they see during Oasis are completely avoidable.