The BOSM English Press had a discussion with the CoSSAcn of the Department of Reception and Accommodation (RecNAcc), Pranav Pandey, about the workings of the department. Pranav spoke in detail about the various changes made from last year, and the challenges the department faced leading up to this BOSM.
He explained that the major work done by the department is handling the accommodations of all the outstation participants, sponsors, and artists. They also deal with the distribution and handling of the inventory and the setting up of tents. He added that this BOSM, the department also took on the responsibility of handling travel for the VIP guests.
According to Pranav, a major issue in the previous editions of the fests was the ‘ping-pong game’ between RecNAcc, the Department of Firewallz, and the Department of Controls, regarding the paperwork required to get accommodations. This year, the department had tried to minimise redundant paperwork and had employed the use of a dedicated website and printers instead of a manual approach.
Pranav also mentioned that there had been significant improvements in the inventory fund, which had allowed for tents with better waterproofing—a concern in previous years. He continued by stating that there would be tents in VK and Bhagirath Lawns. He also talked about the new grievances tab on the participants’ application which would make it more convenient for them to lodge complaints and would ensure that they are resolved on time.
When asked about the part of the department he enjoyed the most, Pranav was quick to reply with, ‘the people’. He said that the department was like a family to him, and that ‘the energy and enthusiasm of the members is infectious’. Talking about his tenure as a CoSSAcn, Pranav remarked that he was extremely grateful for the opportunity to work for a department he holds so dear to his heart. While he agreed that there had been various challenges, he maintained that the learning experience made it worthwhile.
Pranav mentioned that one of the biggest hassles this year was managing the change in the accommodation numbers, as well as the loss of Budh Bhawan and MSA as venues to accommodate female participants. He added that although most of the inter-departmental interactions had been smooth, there had been times where multiple CoSSAcns had ‘locked horns’, which required deliberation and compromise to resolve. Nonetheless, he commended all his fellow CoSSAcns for their efforts in making this fest possible.
To conclude, Pranav advised the general BITSian to enjoy the fest as much as possible. He said that he is extremely proud of what had been made possible, and he wished that people enjoy it to the fullest. He also wished all BITSian sports teams ‘good luck’, and promised to always be there, cheering.