President: Bharatharatna Puli
Q. Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am a third year Computer Science student from Hyderabad. Before coming here, I was never actively involved in anything apart from academics. I have learned that there is a lot more to life than just academics over the past two years, and I am definitely not the person I was when I joined BITS.
Q. What is your motivation for contesting ?
In my first year, I did not initally stand for any post. I became the H-Rep of SR Bhawan – A&B Block in the by-elections. I also served as the H-Rep of Budh Bhawan in my second year. People approached me with their problems, and I tried to help them. Eventually, I realised that I could help a larger number of people in more significant ways if I had more power.
Q. How has your experience been in working with the SU and the Institute in the past?
Most students feel that there is a gap between them and the institute, and that their voice is not being heard properly. In my experience, the administration has been cooperative and will even aid BITSians that are not a part of the Union Council. However, there are some changes that can only be brought about with some kind of authority. This was part of my reason for contesting.
Q. How did you work towards building a camp and formulating a manifesto?
To be honest, we did not need to work much on the manifesto. From my second year, we had been taking note of the issues that students were facing and the areas which had scope for improvement. We have tried making the manifesto as feasible as possible. Coming to the camp, people voluntarily came to me saying that they would like to work with me. The process works both ways – you make the camp and the camp makes you.
Q. How do you think the elections are going to be different this year given that there is only one contender for the post?
The elections are going to be a lot more ethical. The time and effort put in for campaigning will be less. The fact that I’m sitting here talking to you during the thick of campaigning is a clear indication.
General Secretary: Shivam Jindal
Q. Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am a third year Manufacturing Engineering student from Punjab. I have stayed in a hostel for around fourteen years. This helped me in adjusting to BITSian life more quickly as I had a good idea about what to expect.
Q. What is your motivation for contesting?
The work I did in my first year instilled respect for the SU in me. I would like to spread the same among BITSians as well. I want to make a difference by targeting the benefits of the SU at BITS as a whole, rather than individual BITSians.
Q. How has your experience been in working with the SU and the Institute in the past?
I learnt a lot from being an SU volunteer in my first year As I said before, the work I did made me respect the SU a lot. Being involved in an association and a technical team, I interacted with a lot of people. After my 2-1, I felt the need to prioritize and eventually realised that all it takes to make difference is the willingness to take initiative.
Q. How did you work towards building a camp and formulating a manifesto?
I think time spent in PS-1 was most productive in formulating my manifesto. I went through the manifestos of candidates from other colleges and it helped me realise the value of the facilities available at BITS. Along with this, building a camp and managing it from a place where I could not meet people was a little difficult. But my camp made my journey during the last couple of months easier. These people aren’t just my camp; they hang out with me, and believe in me.
Q. How do you think the elections are going to be different this year given that there is only one contender for the post?
I don’t think it will be very different. If anything, it might be a little tougher. The campaign might not be as intense as usual. This is for the best as first years get annoyed by repetitive campaigning. I think delivering my message in a qualitative way over a short span of time and building trust matters the most. I have been told that the path ahead will be easier for me, but I believe in winning the election with dignity.