The English Press Club sat down with the Associate Dean, Student Welfare Division (SWD), Prof. Navin Singh, to know more about his vision and the institute’s initiatives for the upcoming academic year.

The interview started off with him outlining the responsibilities of the position, stating that his main task had been ensuring students’ well‑being and tackling any concerns they raised during their tenure at college. These included scholarships, hostel accommodations, and concerns regarding sport and medical facilities, to name a few.

When asked about his vision for the upcoming year, he emphasised the fact that times were changing and with it, the expectations of today’s youth. He explained that the institute always tried to understand student demands and cater to as many as possible. He reflected on how no well-known food or service brands had shown interest in Pilani a decade ago. However, with the oversaturation of city markets, they were willing to set up shop in BITS, even at a ‘loss’. Capitalising on these changing boundary conditions, Prof. Singh summed up his and the SWD’s vision to continually adapt and prioritise student welfare.

He advised freshmen to listen to the plentiful advice they were bound to receive at this time, but to make their own decisions. He pointed out that the major transition between school and college life was the decision-making that would shape their future. He added that with their newfound freedom, they had to take ownership of their decisions.

The Associate Dean further pinpointed social media as the ‘sweetest poison’ and warned against the spread of misinformation on such platforms. He expected the newly initiated seniors of the 2024 batch to pass on this advice to their juniors and maintain the integrity of being a part of this academic community and institution on all public platforms.

Upon being asked about whether any concrete steps were being taken by the institute to support students’ mental health, Prof. Singh pointed to improving initiatives such as BITS Care, by investing in more counsellors across the campus. He also mentioned future talks to be hosted by alumni to give an insight into the BITS Pilani of their time. He believed that in the last eighteen years, the connection between students and faculty had decreased. As a result, he sought to update the curriculum in such a way that it would foster classroom interaction. In addition to academics, he looked to organise cultural events where students and faculty could share the forum and thus strengthen their bond. He mentioned the BITS Premier League that took place last semester, and spoke of plans to organise a cultural night, alongside some more initiatives that he could not disclose at present.

About an email he had sent during the summer break detailing multiple campus developments, Prof. Singh gave a picture of the behind-the-scenes deals with the new ventures, such as the electric shuttles and a Domino’s outlet. He said that while students might be of the view that ‘timelines’ of the establishment of these facilities were not being followed, there were multiple rounds of negotiations with the vendors, as bringing in renowned brands came with considerable demands. Thus, the administration had tried to negotiate deals, keeping student interests in mind, which led to discussions stretching upwards of a month. Additionally, with the campus still being under renovation, uncertainties about space allocation posed challenges in finalising agreements with vendors.

Speaking of the Domino’s outlet, though he could not provide any specifics, he reiterated that the project was in its final stages and that it was awaiting official approval. He added that, luckily, the previous occupants of the allotted space had vacated, allowing arrangements for the outlet to move swiftly. However, the same could not be said for other vendors, especially concerning the food court mentioned in the mail. This had led to some delays, but plans were being drafted for an enhanced food court with better facilities, brands, and visibility.

When asked about the fee hike and how the institute planned to address complaints regarding the current infrastructure, Prof. Singh said that he was committed to improving the living conditions across campus. While he agreed that the total financial burden of these improvements should not be placed solely upon the students, external factors like inflation would ultimately affect the final decision. Assuring that students’ fees would surely go towards improving existing infrastructure, he went on to elucidate various initiatives, such as installing ACs in more hostel common rooms and in the Health Club, that were being undertaken. He also mentioned that they were working to implement 24/7 housekeeping services for hostels.

On a parting note, he reported that he had not faced any setbacks with hostel allotments and informed the EPC that the form regarding allotment queries had only 26 responses at the time of the interview.