The Department of Publications and Correspondence (PCr) is one of the constituent departments of the StuCCA. Their StuCCAn, Tanmaay Chandak, talked to the Oasis English Press about the department’s duties for the fest, as well as his work as a member of the student body.

PCr’s primary job is to bring people to campus. They begin this work about a month and a half before Oasis. In September, the department conducts a work trip to Delhi, where they ask local colleges to participate in the various competitions of Oasis.

PCr has called about 4800 outstation applications from roughly 80–90 colleges. As there is no dearth of applicants, the department can afford to be choosers. Due to limitations in accommodation facilities, only about 1600 people will actually be allowed to come on campus. This large disparity between application numbers and attendance numbers is largely due to restricted on-campus accommodation availability and limited alternatives for lodging in Pilani. The cultural fests of IIT Kanpur and Roorkee clash with Oasis, so PCr tries to ensure that teams come to BITS instead of the other two. This time, the department has managed to convince numerous music societies in DU and other colleges to enrol in Oasis’ music competitions. Hence, competitions like Swaranjali and Pitch Perfect should see good participation.

Another major duty that PCr has is reprography—the printing of posters and flex sheets for clubs and departments. They are responsible for the curation of various event-related media, and this responsibility forms a major part of their work leading up to the fest.

As StuCCAn, Tanmaay feels that the line-up for this year’s fest is one of the best—certainly the best of his three years in BITS. He conveyed his excitement for Sunidhi Chauhan and Nucleya’s performances, stating that they are bound to be sensational shows. He felt that as a stand-up host, Biswa Kalyan Rath was a perfect choice, as he is one of India’s best stand-up artists currently performing. The quality and quantity of participation in the various Oasis events are both expected to be higher, so competitions will be much more engaging this time around. Tanmaay explained that the theme was suitable for campus decor—he promised the GBM that ADP’s structures will be worth looking out for. 

Speaking about Oasis’ future, the StuCCAn hopes that Oasis develops a brand name so powerful that it is prioritized by participants over fests of competing colleges such as IIT Kanpur and IIT Roorkee. He feels that Oasis is already the best fest out of the three, but he hopes to see it become even bigger as a fest. For this, a more extensive accommodation facility will be necessary, to overcome what is currently one of the biggest bottlenecks for Oasis. 

As StuCCAn, Tanmaay feels that he has been challenged in many ways and working for the fest has taught him many things. The work expected from a StuCCAn is different from being a department member, or a coordinator—as initiatives need to be taken and ideas need to be implemented well in advance. Plus, being responsible for a fest with a budget of Rs. 1.6 Crore puts an immense responsibility on the StuCCa’s shoulders. However, the experience has been extremely rewarding for Tanmaay, as he feels that he has understood himself better and pushed his limits in terms of work.

In closing, Tanmaay wished the GBM to have an enjoyable Oasis.