DLE (Department of Live Events) is in charge of organizing various events on campus. They work for all three fests, organizing events including professional shows, Rotunda events, adventure zones and much more. Akanksha Kumar, the coordinator of DLE took some time out of her busy schedule to talk about their plans for BOSM.

The DLE has big plans this BOSM; including for the first time, two different professional shows – a standup comedy show by Anubhav Singh Bassi and a metal band (Paradigm Shift), along with a rock band (As We Keep Searching). Other events include three rotunda shows (football freestylers, BMX cycle stunt performers, and martial arts performers with a knockout exhibition match) and a four day adventure zone with activities like Meltdown, Soapy Football, Bull Ride, Zorbing and Archery.

Despite their events being all fun and games, their work is certainly not. In the weeks leading up to BOSM, the DLE members had their schedules packed with signings, negotiations, interactions with the CoSSAc, organizing setup and production, accommodations for artists, ticket sales and much more. When it comes to publicity, DLE advertises their events mostly with posters and on social media such as Facebook and Instagram.

When asked about her interactions with the CoSSAc, Akanksha said ‘It wasn’t a hassle for me, everyone was cooperative.’ She added that their events often require additional power, water supplies and production setup which they had to organize beforehand in association with Controls, all smoothly implemented this year. When asked about her experience as coordinator, she said that she sees the events as ‘her show’ this year, and hence feels a sense of responsibility for the turnout of the events. She adds that as they generally have a turnout of 1400 to 1500 people, there is always a risk involved with organizing the events, as they have to keep their audiences’ interests in mind while choosing the artists and performers in order to have a successful show.

Akanksha encourages the BITSians, especially the first years, to attend their events, saying that the live shows are an integral part of the fest experience and that they have a great lineup this year. She adds that she has her fingers crossed and his hoping to see a good turnout from the BITSians this year.