As the excitement for APOGEE 2024 builds up, Aarohi Uniyal, the CoStAAn of the Department of Paper Evaluation and Presentation (PEP), took some time out of her hectic schedule to chat with the APOGEE English Press and give us an insight into the workings of the department.
Talking about the department’s history, Aarohi relayed that PEP initially started with “Paper Presentation”, but as it was a technical event, it did not fit into Oasis. Taking that into account, APOGEE was created to address the need for more technical engagements at BITS. Now PEP organises a wide range of events like the “Think Again Conclave”, “Entrepreneurship Conclave”, “Papyrus Trails”, and “Paper Presentation”.
She explained that the Think Again Conclave is the department’s marquee event, featuring the official lineup of speakers for APOGEE, consisting of the top bureaucrats from various fields. Papyrus Trails is a literary event featuring quizzes, slam poetry, keynote speeches, among others. Paper Presentation is an undergraduate research event aimed at inculcating research into undergraduate students.
Commending the smooth coordination, she emphasised the interwoven nature of the workings of all departments. Expounding on the preparation, she highlighted the sequential process for the Paper Presentation event. The event is launched, multiple calling sessions with outstation participants and technical institutes are conducted, abstracts and papers are received and checked for plagiarism. Then the selected participants are hosted on campus during APOGEE, where they can present their papers. She added that PEP is also responsible for bringing in the keynote speakers for the Think Again Conclave, Entrepreneurship Conclave, and Papyrus Trails and helping other clubs and departments coordinate for the seamless conduct of their respective events.
Talking about the challenges faced, Aarohi mentioned that due to the general elections this year, it was a little difficult to reach out to some of the speakers as they are in advisory roles to government officials, though she added, ‘But we have a very good lineup for APOGEE.’ She expressed optimism about the turnout at the Paper Presentation Event as it went from completely online to completely offline last year. She shared that this year the CoStAA aims to make the APOGEE experience ‘very technical’ with the introduction of exhibitions and workshops.
On a parting note, Aarohi encouraged the GBM to utilise the fest to its fullest and attend the workshops and talks, as they’ll be very enriching. She added that the speakers will be of great stature and APOGEE presents a good opportunity to interact and connect with them.