As Oasis ‘24 approaches, the Oasis English Press sat down with Abhay Kumar Maddheyshiya, the Coordinator of Pilani Atmanirbhar Resource Centre (PARC), to discuss their preparations for the upcoming fest.

Abhay explained that PARC — an alumni-funded NGO — would be hosting three stalls, namely, a period-pain simulator stall, a clay pottery stall, and a cup-painting stall in collaboration with the Creative Activities Club (CrAC). He said that they aimed to promote awareness about the menstrual cycle and menstrual health via the period cramps simulator. He further mentioned that their stalls were one of the most profitable stalls last Oasis with a footfall of 500 at the pain simulator and 200 at the clay pottery stall. He expressed optimism about a higher footfall this year due to the addition of the cup-painting stall.

Abhay spoke about the preparation for the fest and explained that the club started preparing in September and that they had been working smoothly. When asked about any major challenges faced, he explained that the StuCCA informed him CrAC would be holding the same cup-painting stall as the club had planned. This resulted in a collaboration between the two clubs after speaking with the CrAC Coordinator, Bhavini. Another problem they faced last year was the fact that they had only one machine and a limited number of volunteers.

Abhay clarified that half of the revenue they earned went to the Student’ Union (SU) and the remaining went to the PARC fund, whose use was decided by the alumni. He stated that they hoped to exceed the amount of revenue generated last year.

On a closing note, Abhay said that he was inspired by the work of the previous Coordinator and decided to follow in their footsteps this year. He further noted that his experience with the StuCCA and the GBM had been great. He mentioned that the morale of the club had been very high and he held high expectations from the fest this year.