Issue 4, Semester I
Semi -Column
Joy of Giving week
It is quite a unique feeling to do
something for people in exchange
for just a simple sunny smile. We
hope all of you try it too, be it in
this particular week next year or
any other day hereon. Find out
more about how some BITSians
did their bit on page 2.
Gigs and Gags this
Oasis
When you’ve got so many class
acts lined up for Oasis, from an
adrenaline packed Farhan Akhtar, a bluesy hum-along Soulmate, the hilarious Viral Fever
and Vipul Goyal, why even think
of that ticket home? Read about
them in detail on page 2.
Brickbats and Bouquets at BRC
A somewhat overdue BOSM Review Committee took place in
the amphitheatre this Saturday.
Although a brief affair, it did
provide its share of bickering and
bashing. Read more on page 3.
Pilani’s Big Ben to
chime again
This is no figurative talk; the
clock-tower is set to be repaired
to regain its lost glory from the
olden days. Turn to page 4 for a
detailed description of the plans
in progress.
We’re listening!
Pilani, Monday, 21 October, 2013
epc.bits-student.org
Oasis 2013 - Things seem to be on track
The stage is set. The crowd is restless. The air quivers with anticipation. And any other cliché (it’s always easier to work with those)
which describes what is now upon us. Yes, Oasis 2013 is here; 96
hours of non-stop madness. One of India’s largest cultural fests, this
year’s Oasis has a lot to offer.
As any Oasis-related news is incomplete without mentioning this high
-paid-for act, let us not stand on any ceremonies –Farhan Akhtar.
Among other things, Akhtar junior has boosted sponsorship for the
fest. Big brands such as Kellogg’s, Vaseline, MTS and Channel V
have associated themselves with the fest. Free Authority, the T-shirt Now for the adrenaline junkies. Sahara Force India Formula One
shop, is also giving Pilani an encore with their presence.
team shall set up a mock pit-stop wherein participants will have to
Furthermore, his presence is ensuring that the DU crowd that was emulate a real pit crew. Jargon aside, you’ll get to see, touch and
once a lamentable dribble will now be a current to be reckoned with. change tyres of an actual F1 car. Winners will receive weekend race
It also helps to have a vacant Bhawan just lying around, waiting to passes for an F1 Grand Prix in 2014.
house eager outstation participants. Consequently, expect to see 300 - StuCCA 2013 wants to spare absolutely nobody –not even the hum400 more unfamiliar faces than usual.
ble and desolate geek deteriorating in the dark recesses of his (or her)
Although to true fanatics mentioning gastronomic niceties in the
same vein as something as mundane as money is nothing short of
blasphemy, but they seem to be hand-in-glove these days. This winter, prepare to perish in penury as Oasis returns with its usual arsenal
of appetite partners like Pizza Hut, Café Coffee Day and much, much
more. There will also be chocolates. Lots and lots o’ ‘em from
Gandour. Snickers, anyone? With more money, come more chances
to earn it. So, this Oasis, if walking the ramp in excruciating shoes or
coding till you drop or changing tyres of F1 cars is what you do best,
look no further.
bhawan. MyTi Innovation Drive is presenting an App Design Contest like no other. Namely, there are MyTi Tablets up for grabs and
unbounded fame, with the most unique App getting featured on the
AppStore. Sadly, it is a team event.
It has been a while since Akhtar the second was mentioned, so here
goes. Vaseline Smackaroo shall install a photo booth and the subject
of the best picture shall get a chance to present Farhan Akhtar to the
hungry Pilani crowd. Be envied by thousands as you grab the chance
of a lifetime. On the whole, this Oasis promises to be the proverbial
‘bigger and better’ successor to a rich legacy, so prepare your sleep
Femina Miss India is conducting exclusive auditions and the top three cycles for four exhilarating days of an endless marathon.
contestants from Pilani shall get a direct entry into their city finals.
Joint Inquiry Committees to be set up
Short and long term measures to be discussed. But, are we ready for them?
There is always this immediate period in the aftermath of a tragedy that must be kept necessarily somber. Losing one of our own is always
the toughest pill to swallow, and in light of that fact, the angst and emotion across campus over the past few days has been palpable.
Following the unfortunate incident, and the subsequent gathering at Ashok Circle on the same day, the student community, which naturally
wanted some answers, was asked to remain calm until the immediate formalities were completed. While there were some untimely reactions
and questions thrown about during the Ashok ‘meeting’, the maturity shown from then on has been commendable.
A memorial service for Shaurya Agarwal was held on the evening of 17th October (Thursday) in the FD-2 QT, which witnessed strong participation from all concerned, and proved to be a fitting mark of respect to the deceased.
As promised, a closed door meeting between the Institute administration and a group of about 20 students was conducted the following day.
We are told that the main agenda was to arrive at short-term and long-term measures to be taken, with a view on not just the specifics of this
incident but with a broader perspective of the health-care and safety infrastructure on campus. As Prof. Raghurama has stated explicitly
(please do check your BITS mail accounts), we now know that the following decisions were taken at the meeting (extract from mail) –
Hate mail or fan mail, we
(i) Institute an Inquiry Committee which will examine the incident in detail and come out with the findings in terms of facts as availawelcome all kinds of feedback.
You could even write for us in