As Oasis 2016 draws nearer with every passing minute, the people responsible for organizing the fest become acutely aware of just how much effort they have put into it so far, and how much more is needed to make it a success. One of these severely overworked people is the StuCCAn of the Department of Stage Controls – Nalin Mujumdar. In a late-night interview with Oasis English Press, Nalin reflects on his experiences, while sledgehammers force metal rods into shape nearby, in rhythm with the blaring music.

In a brief break from the work session, Nalin brusquely described the duties and events that his department is responsible for. “Every year, we make structures that are closely related to the theme of the fest, and this year is no exception: For the Inauguration ceremony, we plan to have a graffiti version of Medusa – a Gorgon from Greek mythology – and structures of the famous duo– Asterix and Obelix. We are also planning to make eight symbols from various myths and legends for the stage round of the Oasis Quiz.”

In addition to the structures, Stage Controls handles operations – ensuring that the events scheduled in the Auditorium happen on time. There is also an event that the department conducts, i.e. BLAB, an event modeled on the classic British game show, Just-A-Minute. “There are eight participants on stage, and each one has to entertain the audience by talking about wacky topics such as ‘Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Polka Dotted Bikini’, while the others pedantically point out grammatical mistakes,” said the StuCCAn with a grin. Although Stage Controls has been centered around work in the auditorium in the past, the department has diversified a bit to help Oasis out this year. They will also be handling the sale and distribution of the official Oasis apparel in the stalls during the fest.

“It’s obviously a lot of work,” said Nalin, talking about his time in the StuCCA, “but the plethora of new experiences that I have had will remain as happy memories for a long time. There are always a lot of issues that arise with organizing such a big fest; we are facing certain restrictions this year, which is tricky. However, we do have an incredible lineup of performers this year: Amit Trivedi, Kenny Sebastian, Light Years Explode, Rocio LeQuio and Bruno Tombari from Argentina, When Chai Met Toast, Saskia Laroo from the Netherlands, Limor Ballas from Israel, and Geronyom Music from Portugal – I’ve become a huge fan of these artists, and I can’t wait to see them in person”.

The StuCCAn of Stage Controls concluded with the following request: that all the people on campus to wholeheartedly participate in all events this Oasis, as always. “There are so many people who have focused their efforts to ensure that this year’s Oasis surpasses the ones before, and I hope that the attendees continue to honor this.”