Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Mistry Krushabh Digwesh, currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. In the past two years, I’ve dabbled in many activities on campus. I was part of team Robocon and I’ve represented BITS on an international forum. I was the Cultural Secretary of Ram Bhawan in my second year and I’m part of the Department of Informalz.

What was your motivation for contesting? 

Over the course of my stay here, I have realized that most students have forgotten the sole reason for joining BITS, which is to learn and improve their overall skill set. However, the previous election restored my faith in the BITSian community. They are capable of judging candidates based on their vision and motivation to work for the BITSian society. I felt the need to take up the responsibility of promoting a technical culture on campus. What every student needs is a thrust in the form of better opportunities in order to excel. This is what I wish to accomplish. Mine is a personalized approach rather than the one that caters to the masses.

How has your experience been working with the SU and the institute in the past? 

I haven’t had the opportunity to really work with the Students’ Union, other than during the fee hike protests and a share of department work during the fests. I have interacted with numerous professors when I was a part of Robocon. Drawing from these interactions, I’ve learnt that professors are always willing to help students. I wish to promote academic awareness by encouraging students to approach their professors and seniors.

How did you work towards building a camp and formulating a manifesto? 

I framed my manifesto during my PS-1. Standing for the post of General Secretary was not something I had planned. Because of this, I had to start from scratch and analyze my first two years on campus to realize what was lacking in the system and what changes were necessary.

Since I wasn’t active on the political scene on campus either, I was bereft of seniors who could mentor me and walk me through the whole process. So, I approached my closest friends, many of whom weren’t politically active either. But once they connected to my vision, they decided to support me, and that is when I began building my camp.

Why do you think you deserve this post? Is there anything that separates you from the previous candidates?

I think my vision is completely different from the usual promises that you’d find on any candidate’s manifesto. I have a unique outlook, and given the opportunity, I’d be more than willing to use my experience and my contacts to strengthen the learning culture on campus and make it more effective for the students. I will strive to create a Students’ Union that is self-reliant and approachable. Additionally, I will ensure that the new SU serves as a perfect bridge between the student body and the Institute.

Do you have a message for the student body? 

Yes. I have faith in my vision and its possibilities, whether you elect me as the General Secretary or not. You are free to judge me based on my manifesto points and the other such criteria, but I humbly request the student community to uphold this vision of mine. Always be eager to receive and share knowledge. It’s high time we stop idly blaming the Institute when the solution lies within us.