The Oasis English Press sat down with Pranav Sharma, the Coordinator of Anchor, to understand the inner workings of the club and its preparations for the upcoming fest. He explained that Anchor was the gender and sexuality cell of BITS Pilani, determined to create a more equitable environment and a platform for conversation about equality, gender equity, and sexual liberty.

Pranav mentioned that during Oasis, Anchor held the Pride March, organised various stalls, and sold creative merchandise. He further added that the stalls include a wall of happiness, where people can come over and write their ‘happy feelings’ on paper and stick them to the wall. Pranav further mentioned that they also host many game stalls and provide free nail polish to everyone. 

Pranav highlighted that the kernel event of Anchor was the Pride March held every year. Pranav described it as a political movement representing the struggles that the previous generation of queer individuals had faced, as well as the general sensation of pride. He further depicted it as a grand carnival, where people dance, chant slogans, and more. He explained that Anchor strived to make tiny changes, but they face many hurdles and repercussions from society.

When asked about the challenges he faced leading up to Oasis, Pranav revealed that while it was tough and challenging, he was grateful for his team. He mentioned that although they are few in number, they were a talented group of people.

Touching on his experience in the club, Pranav remarked that he had been in many clubs, but the one that gives him the most fulfilment was Anchor. He believed that the work they did brought tangible change in the kind of society BITS Pilani had. On a parting note, Pranav urged people to look at themselves with pride. He quoted, ‘the qualities that made you different were your greatest strengths,’ and to ‘celebrate who you are, not what society expects you to be’.