THE COOKIE JAR
EPC brings you the latest from Pilani’s very own. A section by you, for you. Not necessarily about you, however.
He begins with his name: Vikram Singh. "I have a badge with my name, but most of the students never
look at it. Those who talk to me know me by face," he grins.
Every evening, whilst traversing the wide stretch of gravel in front of the Auditorium,
one might notice this balding silhouette perched upon a stool at a distance, keeping a
careful eye, as mankind trickles through the Audi gates. Closer inspection reveals the
stout Pickwick-esque “Audi Chowki” – a round-faced, clean-shaven, portly gentleman
wearing spectacles, who insists that “being a policeman” and “maintaining discipline” was
all he ever wanted to do.
"I love exchanging stories with the students; most of them have such exciting ideas and
experiences to share. They are like my children. When they talk to me after getting placed,
I'm perhaps happier for them than their own parents!"
So, since when has he been in BITS? "1998." he replies. "Most of the students were from
the South when I first got here. Communication was difficult, but they were very friendly
and so, I got along very well. I remember teaching a whole troupe of them some words
and phrases in Hindi one night!" he chuckles. "A lot of things have changed since I got
here, but I've remained pretty much the same. "
When asked about the current crop of BITSians, he says, "There are more from the
North now, but apart from the students working in the Auditorium, not as many of them
talk to me. Though one thing I have picked up by observing people is that there are some
classic BITSian characteristics that definitely separate them from the rest!”
Classic BITSian characteristics? "Yes, I have learnt to differentiate BITSians from the
rest. That 10-day unwashed, carefree look is something unique to this place! I don't think
Goa or Hyderabad students have it either. I've never made a mistake in identifying a
BITSian during the fests," he proudly claims.
"Times have changed. The fests are stressful yet exhilarating. I've seen so many
boisterous and bubbly students over the years, hopping around during the fest, and it
always makes me feel young again." He pauses. "Sometimes, a few of them go overboard,
and that is not very safe; I always remind them to stay level-headed."
What does he love about this place? "The people, especially the students, and doing my
job perfectly. I just wish it was easier for my own kids to study here as well, they would
grow so much," he sighs.
"I'll catch you later," he smiles and waves at us as he resumes his watchful walk around
the Audi, leaving us a little wiser, and hopefully with enough goodwill to remain at the
right end of his stick.
It is a sign of the progress of our times that a review of new eateries has become a
newsletter staple, an article to be written (and perhaps read) at least at the frequency of
once a semester—and this semester’s cream of the crop, Da Mac & Cheese Café, does
not fail to impress. Located in the basement of B.K. Plaza in the august company of
Lazeez and Café Blue Flame, getting here is as simple as taking the left towards CEERI
when one is on the bus stop road, and then looking out on the right side for a shiny
white building masquerading as Pilani’s first mall.
in the next couple of weeks.
With the establishment’s delectable, perfectly done flavours and ridiculously low prices,
there has never been a better example of having one’s cake and eating it too. Highly
recommended of their offerings include the rich, smooth, luscious choco frappe, the
tangy crispy chicken burger (Pilani’s best by a margin), the scrumptious aloo tikki roll and
the spectacularly seasoned smoked chicken sandwich. In fact, sinking your teeth into any
one of their many perfectly executed creations is likely to lead to visits till you’ve
sampled the entire menu, regardless of whether you’re a herbivore or a meat fanatic. It
probably helps that you’re ready to eat a horse by the time your food arrives, if more
than three tables a ɔ