When Pushpendra Singh Payal, the coordinator of Nirmaan, met the Oasis English Press at SAC for an interview, the bustle of students around indicated their enthusiasm towards the approaching fest. Eagerly responding to the questions posed, he delved into details regarding the work done for the fest.

This Oasis will see the return of “Jab Pani Met Puri”, a one-minute food challenge where people can challenge each other to a pani puri contest. Nirmaan also hosts another stall event, “Swayamshakti”, where they sell small handicrafts made by women from local villages. 

With this being the 50th Oasis and the first after a gap of two years, Nirmaan has worked collectively to come up with a new event. They have come up with a block printing event where participants can customise their own handkerchiefs with a print of their choice. Since the theme is centred around the concept of hidden gold, they have correlated that to the hidden art of Rajasthan, Sanganeri print. Pushpendra scouted these prints himself and spoke very enthusiastically about how he believes this will encapsulate the theme. 

Most of their pre-fest work involves ideation and Nirmaan’s hectic schedule begins in the final few weeks. They undertake the decoration and organization of the stalls with minimal help from other clubs and departments. Funds are solicited with alumni and faculty involvement.

Commenting upon his own experience within Nirmaan, Pushpendra remarked that being a coordinator can be quite overwhelming at times. ‘Having to go through multiple layers of people, to talk to vendors, and give quotations can be a bit stressful but overall the experience is rewarding.’

On a parting note, Pushpendra requested every BITSian to enjoy the fest and visit their stalls. Passionate about Nirmaan’s cause, he wholeheartedly believes that these events will transform the futures of their beneficiaries and help them in their journey.