With BOSM inching closer, the BOSM English Press sat down with the BOSM Coordinator of the Department of Informal Events (Informalz), Arav Gupta, to discuss their plans for the upcoming sports fest. 

Arav described Informalz as ‘a legacy department’ that has proudly existed since the 1990s for one very important reason: to do what nobody else will. ‘We don’t really do anything,’ were the Coordinator’s words. However, this turned out to be untrue, with incoming members being deceived each year and forced to perform even manual labour for the several events held by the department. He mentioned that Informalz would be sticking to their usual unpredictability this year, by conducting their flagship event, Casino Nite and Blackjack stall, along with a newer New York Times Games stand, which would essentially be online puzzles in physical form.

‘Recruitments have been pretty decent this year, I guess,’ Arav remarked with practiced professionalism, noting that four new members had joined the department in the past month. On being asked about the quality of his workforce, he described them as ‘dedicated,’ ‘efficient,’ and ready to ‘do whatever I tell them to.’ When pressed further on his comments on his superior leadership, he failed to provide any supporting evidence.

Arav insisted that the hardest part was done and all that remained was starting their ‘actual work sessions’, and that they were right on track as planned. He elucidated that their major challenge was negotiating with the vendor for Casino Night, who initially proposed exorbitant rates. But they had succeeded in lowering the price, and only the final payment remained.

On his interactions with the CoSSAC, he mentioned that they were very amicable, with the department getting enough creative freedom for their events as long as they adhered to the budget. Reflecting upon the department’s evolution, he admitted that while Informalz has had its ups and downs over the years, they have, as a department, moved in a positive direction. He further remarked that his primary goal for his tenure would be to ensure that his team has a good time and to avoid team burnout in the long and demanding hours at events like Casino Nite. He hoped to host a successful and profitable event, one that people would remember. “At the end of the day, we just want people to enjoy themselves,” he concluded.

Finally, for a message to all the BITSians attending the fest, Arav encouraged them to check out all the performances and the matches, to support all the BITS teams and ‘whatever’. He further added that attending the events would be the way to make the best of their time during the fest, especially Casino Nite and their stalls.