WesterN SinginG..!!

Reported by – Shubham

Written by– Anvesha Dhar 

What is music? What an odd thing it is to see an entire species, billions of people, playing with or listening to tonal patterns, occupied and preoccupied for much of their time by what they call ‘music’. But music can also be profoundly poignant, without being familiar, sometimes calling up memories from the distant past. All of us have had the experience of being transported by the sheer beauty of music – and that’s what exactly happened at this year’s Western Solo Singing Contest of  KAALRAV 2k15!

To start with, a lot of participants had come from different colleges, namely SIT, SMIMS, ATTC, SMCON apart from the students of SMIT.  The event commenced around 11:30 in the morning (Day 2 of Kaalrav) and the judging committee consisted of Mr. Kiran Gautam, Mr. Roshan Pradhan and Mrs. Sonam Sherpa.

 The first contestant Smyrna was from SMIMS, followed by Caroline from SMCON. The next to follow were Manish Bangrung from SIT, Anamika Sinha from SMIT, Padmanbh from SMIMS, Dudmo Kunsang from ATTC, Saurav Rai,Mriganka Dutta from SIT and Nikhil from SMIT.

The audience had a really great time, thanks to the outstanding performances put up by all the brilliant singers. There were all kinds of music, starting from EDM to alternative rock to psychedelic rock. A few of the songs performed were - Call Of Blind (sang by Smyrna) , Your Call ( by Manish), When I Look At You ( by Anamika). The crowd really enjoyed singing along to Radioactive (by Caroline, originally composed by Imagine Dragons), Titanium (sang by Padma, originally composed by David Guetta) and How I wish you were here (sang by Swapnil, originally composed by Pink Floyd). All in all, a great show indeed.

In conversation with the participants:

With Padma

Q. Was Kaalrav at par with your expectations?

Its actually way better than what I’d expected. I’d rather call it stupendous. The organization is terrific and it has exceeded my expectations

With Swapnil

Q. What was your strategy in preparing for this competition?

The strategy is not to make any mistakes, especially not to overdo anything. The best we can do is to try not to make mistakes. And of course, a lot of hard work.

With Anamika

Q. How tough was the competition, keeping in mind the performances put up by your fellow contestants?

I’d say it was really tough. All of the participants were spectacular.

With Manish

Q. What’ll be the next step if you win this competition?

Well, right now I’m really focused on forming a band with some of my fellow musicians, so I guess if I win , it’ll be a major step towards my singing career.

BATTLE OF BANDS....!

Reported by – Arnav Tyagi

Written by – Anvesha Dhar 

There are so many kinds of music for every kind of feeling or expression there exists, several genres to define yet another feeling.  Starting with pop ,rock, heavy metal, to country, blues, jazz, rock n’ roll. But one thing is common for all the genres. No matter how alone you are, if you have a bad day, there’s one thing that’ll always be there for you. And that’s music.

Kaalrav 2k15, as always, hosted Battle of Bands – an event that brings all kinds of music and musicians together on one stage. And as the name suggests, it’s one hell of a battle.  On Day 1 of Kaalrav, bands from SMIT, SMIMS and other colleges performed to win the title of ‘The Best Band’. The bands that performed are – Since Now, Rejected Sitcoms, Klik, Overflare. While in conversation with the bands, a lot of surprising reactions came up. Read on!

In conversation with Klik

(Vocalist – Rickwang Kachopa

Drums – Aavishkar

Keyboard – Avantika Chetri

Guitar- Nishant)

Q. How much hard work did you have to put in after getting selected in the auditions?

A lot. Seriously a lot. Each night we had to take the drums to E quad, so that we could jam there as we have a female key player in our band. So, that’s the only time we got to jam because by 8.30 she always had to go back to her hostel. And moreover we couldn’t find anywhere else to jam. It was tough.

Q. Any sudden changes that you had to make before the show?

Yes. Ten minutes before the show we had to change our song list. Because everyone was playing either deathcore/metalcore. So we decided to play rock n’ roll, power and thrash metal. We played Roadhouse Blues, Cemetary Gates and Master Of Puppets.

Well, I must say, a great selection of songs!

Thank you.

Q. Did anything go wrong during the show?

No, not really except that the guitar had some distortions in between.

Q. What do you think are the chances of you winning?

We are quite optimistic about it. Let’s see what happens.

In conversation with Since Now

(Vocals- Devansh Sampang

Guitar- Deepan Lama

Guitar – Namgyal Bhutia

Drums - Dibya

Bass - Mridul Wangdi)

Q. Did the crowd react? Was your preparation worth it?

At first we were a little unsure of how the crowd is going to react, but then I saw they really enjoyed the show. So yes, the preparation did pay off.

Q. Mr. Drummer, you were really geared up today, what’s the secret behind so much enthusiasm and energy?

It’s music. To feel the music flowing inside you.

Q. Will you like to perform again here in SMIT?

Of course. We have been here before, and we would love to come back again and again.

In conversation with Overflare

Q. How was the crowd?

The crowd was really responsive. I hope they had a good time.

They surely did.

Q. Did anything go wrong while you were performing?

No. But then, when we’re getting to the best part of our last song, ‘Highway to Hell’, we were called off the stage. So that’s what went wrong.

Well, that shouldn’t have happened. But the crowd really enjoyed your show and that’s what matters.

Yes, it does.

 All in all, a great show.

Care for Angels...# Interview with Mr.Abner Rai (Head of organisation).

Written by: Yashodhara Sen

Reported by: Anmol Singh Walia and Yashodhara Sen

Photographs by: Sumit Thakur and Shreyas

When and why did you start the organization?

I started the charity in the year 2010. I faced a tough childhood. My father was an alcoholic and we were 9 siblings. My mother faced  a lot of difficulty in bringing us up. Due to the struggle that I went through I decided that as a responsible citizen I will work for those children who face the same difficulty that I faced. So, from the year 2002 I started the preparation to open a Home for all those needy children and after a lot of hard work I was able to start my own organization successfully.

What was your motto when you first started the charity?

I initially had no plans of starting a children’s home. My first objective was to educate at least 10 poor children and when they would grow up and get a job, they would then be able to support their families.

I strongly feel for those children who cannot afford education because they neither have money, food, clothes, nor any relatives to help them. I did start with only 10 children but then the number shot upto 35. Professionally I am a primary school teacher so that helped me to take care of the children and educate them.

Where do these children come from?

They come from many places in the north east like Sikkim and Meghalaya. The one who is blind is from Meghalaya. He is not blind from birth. His parents had disowned him. The boy had starved and due to deficiency he has now turned blind. He even had a protruded eye ball but now due to repeated treatment the size of the eyeball is normal but sadly he has lost his vision.

You must have faced a lot of difficulties in bringing up these children. What inspiration drives you to work for the noble cause?

I believe that unless and until you truly feel for something you cannot make that work. Only donating does not mean you feel for the children. I am a primary school teacher and I have a moderate income. My grandfather was a zamindar so I sold fields to get money.

I pay fees to the 12 teachers who work in my charity school. Sometimes we get money from the donations but we do not have a regular support. The Government also does not support us. However all these blocked roads do not deter me. I’ll keep working for their betterment and nothing can stop me from doing so.

What are your hopes on its future?

See, earlier these children had no hopes. They did not know how long they would survive but after coming to me they can now look forward to a better future. As long as I can support them they will never have a problem.

So how will you sustain this charity in the future?

Right now I have spent everything on my dream. I have only one house and have 3 children to look after. Neither I have any insurance nor any deposits. However I am satisfied and happy with my work. No matter what, I will make this happen. It is just not a project for me. Many people think that this world is evil. I believe that  even if 60 percent is evil , the remaining 40 percent is still  good and this world exists because of this 40 percent. There are some people who genuinely work for my cause and I am grateful to them. I will die but not let my dream fail.

Last but not the least how was your experience in SMIT?

I am grateful to SMIT for letting my children perform here. It is a huge thing for us to be invited. We are very happy to come here and entertain everyone with our act. Thank you SMIT.

In conversation with the IHM Girls’ Basketball team.

Written by: Yash Raj Chettri (Head Editor)

Photographs by: Shreyas

Kaalrav has been well known for bringing together colleges from all over the north-eastern region and Kaalrav 2015 was no different. We saw the amazing talent from all the colleges unfold in the 3-day event. While all the on-stage events were going on, the athletes were hard at work in the basketball court. It was a well contested tournament as both the boys and the girls’ teams gave it their all.

During the course of the fest, I had the wonderful opportunity of engaging Kunga Chukie and the rest of IHM girls’ basketball team in a lively conversation about Kaalrav and the game they all loved.

Q) So it this your first time attending Kaalrav?

A) Yes, it’s our first time here.

Q) How do you feel about it? What’s the general review about?

A) It’s nice but the field tends to get quite dusty at times.

Q) Since this is your first time here, what were your first thoughts of our campus?

A) We like it here but everything is just a little spaced out. It takes a long time to get from one place to the other and that is a little inconvenient especially because we are drained out after playing basketball and going to the hostel from the court can be a tiring ordeal.

Q) Talking about your team now, how did the tournament go for you?

A) It went okay. We won a couple of games and reached the finals but unfortunately came out second. It was a good experience though.

Q) So could you tell me a little more about your team?

A) Yes, We have a basketball team called the Falcons and a few of our players were unable to join us due to prior engagement.

Q) Parikrama’s performance on the last day, did you guys enjoy it?

A) Parikrama was great. They really bought life to the crowd.

Q) Last but not the least, any word of advice to the organisers?

A) One thing that should change is the food stalls. They should not be exposed to all that dust. It was a bit unhygienic.

Kaalrav 2015 again fulfilled its promise and delivered 3 days of pure fun, competition and partying. It was great to see students from other colleges enjoying their stay here and here hoping that many more participate in the years to come.

In Conversation with Hiranmoy Gogoi (ECE), Manisha Jindal (CSE), Anjana Sharma (Civil) 4th years!!

Reported by: Aakanksha Singh

Interviewed by: Aakanksha Singh and Shashank Singh

Photographs by: Sumit Thakur

This awesome bunch of friends was seen taking a stroll on the Maal road, when we caught them for a brief interview on how they have seen the college changing and here’s what they had to say…

Ques. Aakanksha- What are the changes you have seen in the infrastructure of the college in the four years you have been here?

Ans. Hiranmoy- When we came, A block was under construction, only its ground floor existed.There was no dispensary, so now it’s much easier to get doctor’s advice.The civil block is much excluded now though. We came to the college when it was in a building stage, now it has reached a saturation level, and it is good to have witnessed that.

Manisha-Classrooms are better now, due to the addition of projectors in every classroom, a student’s mind can grow by imagination.Labs were not up to the mark that time, now they have grown and developed.

Anjana- The attached bathroom in the hostels is a great thing. In fact, SMIT hostels are unbeatable.

Ques. Aakanksha- When you came, there was hardly any Wi-Fi connection in the college except for C block and some places remotely. Now every student has a proper account for using the Wi-Fi, which is much stronger now and available in the whole college. What was it like to go from nothing to great?

Ans. Hiranmoy- It was not accessible at any point except C block.The juniors are lucky to have got proper Wi-Fi in their first year itself, if that was the case with us, we could also have done better with less hard work.

Ques. Shashank- How was the college academically then and now?

Ans. Manisha- There were less number of classes when we were in first year, now it feels like they will make us engineers in one day only.The number ofteachers was really low that time. 

Hiranmoy-The level of engineering has only grown.Now a minimum of 5 teachers are recruited in each department every year. The syllabus of our college is really good as compared to government colleges.

Anjana- The teachers are considerate in giving the notes.

Ques. Shashank- What are your views on the placement of the college and its decrease?

Ans.Anjana- Placement was better then, with better companies coming. People had 2-3 jobs in hand, which was good.

Hiranmoy- But it had the disadvantage that only the good students would get placed and many students were left empty handed. But from 2012, a new rule came that if a person is placed, he/she is not allowed to sit in other companies of lower or same package.So, now the number has surely increased but the quality is not that good.

Ques. Shashank- How was the mess food?

Ans. Anjana- Mess food was so much better when we were in 1^st-2^nd year. We always went for a second serve and had all the 4 meals.

Hiranmoy- I used to eat first in the senior mess, then the junior mess.

Manisha-The food was so awesome, but now we don’t feel like going to the mess. Its quality has only degraded with time. Mess surroundings used to be cleaner, now there is garbage strewn all over and animals everywhere.

Ques. Aakanksha- Have you seen any changes in the way the fests are being held now?

Ans. Hiranmoy- Earlier, there were very less number of students in each batch, so a lot of work and pressure came on one person. Now, the number of students is higher so it’s easier to carry out tasks. The fest used to be of two days Also, there were more on-stage events then, but because of lack of time now, most of the events have to be held off-stage.

Anjana- There was no hassle to complete the fest on time and no event got cancelled due to this issue.

Manisha- The in-timings for girls was flexible. Sometimes, fest used to go late into the night, but still we could stay outside and enjoy.

Ques. Aakanksha- What are the things you think are lacking in the college and needs to be changed?

Ans. Hiranmoy- No one takes the Student Council seriously. Considering that it represents the students, it should be made stronger and given authority. Its work has been restricted to just paper work. It has gone loose.

Anjana- Everyone complains but no one wants to stand for the Council and actually change things.

Manisha- Also, the CGPA requisite for any activity in the college is absurd. Cultural activities shouldn't be mixed with studies as the talent is held back.

Ques. Shashank- What are the things you like the most about this college?

Ans. Anjana- We have to say, Maal Road. Even though, there are less people there nowadays, but our seniors used to hang out so much that there was no place to sit. It is a great place to hang out with friends in a big group.

Hiranmoy- The people here are great, and so is the talent. The Kaalrav 2011 was definitely the best experience we had in this college.

In conversation with Rohit Karwa (Former V.P of SMIT)

Reported by : Yash Sharan

Interviewed by: Aakanksha Singh, Manav Bhalla, Mayank Arora, Shashank Singh

Photographs by: Sumit Thakur

Q. How was your 1st year in SMIT?

Ans- My 1st year was very good! In the beginning when I came to this college I did not know anyone but  then gradually I made wonderful friends. Thanks to the earthquake because it united all of us. I had a good bonding with everyone. Due to the earthquake we had to sleep outside in the quads. The overall experience was very good.

After that I was elected as the CR and after becoming the CR I had to form the council. Everybody around me was confident that I would become the VP of the college. I remember we had a “Movie Club” in my 1st year. It was not very regular. I remember the 2nd movie had been called off due to the earthquake and the movie club had also gone down after that. Then again in my 3rd year when I became the VP I started the movie club again.

I had to face many challenges and overcome different hurdles but I could again successfully start the movie club. More improvements will be made like the screen will be replaced with a wider screen. There were not many clubs when I was in my 1st year. Even if there were, they were not very active. But now there are many clubs and students here are aware of what is happening around them.                                 

Q. What are the changes that u have seen in SMIT? With respect to the Wi-Fi and clubs. How was your life without the clubs?

Ans- What I like the most about the clubs these days is that atleast the students are here participating and  want to be an active member of the club. I still remember the head of placement when I was in my 1st year  Mr.Ashish Sharma, he was the one who used to talk about MUN. He was a very positive and motivating teacher and he always used to encourage me to join MUN. Also whenever I log in to Wi-Fi, I see the link of 'THE CHATTER' and it really makes me feel very happy when I realize the fact that something good is happening in this college and which will make the students busy in something productive. 

These clubs give the students an opportunity to come out of their rooms and excel in what they are good at. Weather it is photography, public speaking or even managing things. What is important is that they are getting a chance to do something productive. I really appreciate the fact that students are coming together to form clubs and working together.

Q. Have you faced any sort of problem related to administration?           

Ans- Yes, the other change that I have seen is in administration.

I feel the administration that was there earlier was better. Every time administration is blamed for every ill occurrence. But personally I feel if change has to be brought, than it is you people who can bring change.

Whether it is the recreational clubs or the mess food. It is up to you people who have the power to change things around you. Complain everyday if you have problem with the mess food. There is a register in the mess office. Make sure you people write your complains. Untill and unless you do not complain they will continue to be under the impression that the food is good. 

I understand the fact that the students feel there is no change after all complaints but as it is said 'The pen is mightier than the sword!' And so in this college if you want to change something make sure you have pen down your problems. That is how you will be able to bring change in this college.

Q. Every year you have seen new faces as you are in Final year, what would you like say about fresher’s mindset?

Ans- The biggest change that I have observed here is a subtle and drastic positive change is everyone’s personality. There is no decency in the 1st year students. The way they react is sometimes just not acceptable. Even we people have fun but we very well know our limits. Once it is crossed than it is not fun anymore but is called being disrespectful.

I remember we were never disrespectful towards our seniors. The anti ragging committee is there to prevent things from going out of control. But there should be a basic interaction between seniors and juniors. Untill and unless you don't interact how will you know the person. This interaction is important as it will help students know each other.

Q. So is SMIT progressing or depreciating?

Ans- Personally I feel it is a mixture of both. On one hand the infrastructure is improving but on the other hand the student quality is degrading. The moral values that a student should have is not there in the new batch of students. I remember I was taught a word called "SMIT CULTURE" that "SMIT CULTURE" is degrading and it is happening at a very fast rate. 

When I was in my 1st or 2nd year I do not remember a single case of a junior disrespecting a senior. Otherwise the college is progressing. We have projectors in every classroom. The placements have also been improved.

Q. You just have one more month to go in this college, what is that you are going to miss the most and which time will u cherish the most?

Ans- I feel that this last month I will cherish the most as this is "THE LAST" I have in this college. I want to  spend this time with the people whom I have been close to and who matter the most to me. This feeling and the realization that I have only one month left is inside every 4th year student. This feeling at times is very  depressing because this is the last you have of everything, in short the last of your college life. In this one  month every 4th year wants to do everything he has not done in his past four years. Somebody wants to improve their terms and conditions with someone whereas some people wants to confess something to someone.

So basically in this short time we want to do "EVERYTHING"  that we had not done in the past four years so that we leave this college with NO regrets. This one month matters the most and this you guys will understand when you people will face this last month of college life. When you realize the fact that you will not be seeing those people whom you have been with for four years, is really very depressing. I came to this college as a boy and I pass out as a man, a man who is mature enough to make decisions on his own, a man who can take responsibility of his decisions. This is what this college has taught me apart from making me an engineer.

Q. When did you realize that your childhood is over and you are leading to something big in life?

Ans- I am very thankful that I got a chance to become the VP of this college. This has taught me a lot. The point when I learnt how to deal with people and how to talk to them. Now I know when I need to speak and when I need to keep shut. Basically it is about attaining maturity. Since I had become the VP of the college I had to deal with many people, with many situations. 

When people talk about "Kaalrav" they do not know the things that have happened, behind the scenes of Kaalrav, how difficult it is to put up such a big event. There is a huge difference between our departmental fests and our college fest. During college fest you have to deal with everyone and bring them together. 

I am also very thankful to teachers like Mr. Bikas Sharma and Yanki mam. They taught me how to speak during council meetings and were always there to guide me. Due to all these experiences I feel confident about myself and I can deal with any situation. Being an engineer I have learnt how to study one night before an exam and pass it with good marks. Basically I have learnt to manage things. In college we go through a lot of pressure which makes us strong. 4years which include 8 semesters out of which 7 semesters you are in college giving so many sessionals, quizzes, submitting assignments. This is how we learn to manage and handle pressure. 

This is the reason why companies prefer engineers over normal graduates. They have been through so much in their college life that they can handle any pressure. This college has given me everything which includes experiences, good friends, best friends, lovely seniors and juniors.

Q. Are you happy with the work you did as VP and what is the most memorable thing you have done as a VP?

Ans-Yes, I am. I think the most memorable thing I have done as the VP of this college was my last council meeting I think I got a chance to prove to the authority that the students form the college and not the administration.

My last council meeting was the best part of my life. Every single time whenever I wanted to do something different, the  administration would turn it down and do it their way. But my last council meeting was my biggest  achievement as the VP of this college.

Interview with Mayukh Haldar

Reported by: Aakanksha Singh

Photographs by: Sumit Thakur

The freelance wildlife photographer of Nat Geo India, is a pass out of this college of the batch 2009-13 from the Civil Engg. Dept. He was recently present in SMIT to take his degree and that is when we had a chance to interact with him and also know about the photography club he started, The Crew, initially known as The Photographer’s Club in the year 2013.

Q.You are here in SMIT after one whole year. What are the changes that you are seeing?

Ans. The infrastructure of the college has changed in one year itself, for the better obviously. They are renovating the classrooms and putting up projectors in each of them. It is good to see that and know that it will definitely help the students. The amphi theater has turned out well. Before it was built, we used to play cricket on that space (laughs). I hope the college and students use it well.

Since, I am from the civil dept., I have to say, the F block is coming up so good and so fast. Even the labs are so well equipped now. I am happy to see the college grow so fast.

Q. When you were here, there was no Wi-Fi, although now there is. What do you think about that?

Ans. There was Wi-Fi actually, but only in the C block which was also not accessible most of the times. I think, now, with the arrival of good Wi-Fi connection, there is more accessibility to the world, you can search or download things conveniently. Earlier, we had to sit in the cyber cafe for hours waiting in the line and then also, many of the desktops did not work.

Q. You started a club of its own kind, The Crew, for photographers. What was the idea and how did you go about it?

Ans. The idea was as simple as teaching photography skills to the interested people and show everyone some good work. It is not that before the club there weren't any photographers, there were many, but they did not have a direction. If they clicked really good pictures, they did not know what to do with them or where to take them. There was no way by which a photo reached a person if they got clicked.

I wanted to change that. One day, while sitting in my friend’s room, we had this amazing idea and decided to gather people and so, called upon a meeting for all those who were interested and wanted to learn. I got a good response and that’s how we formed a club.

Q. Ever thought of coming in front of the camera?

Ans. (Laughs) not really. The drive that keeps you working behind the lens is too strong. We want to get our work recognized, but coming in front of the camera is not the only way. This is the first time I’m giving any such interview.

Q. You were the chief photographer in the Ed Board of SMITsonian, the annual college magazine. What was your experience?

Ans. Yes, I was a part of the Ed Board for two consecutive years.

I was the photographer for the Wardrobe War and had many of my own inputs as well. When you are a part of something so big, you get so many new experiences and the chance to meet great talent of not only your field but many others. I met some amazing photographers, whom I had many things to learn from and in turn, give them my learning. I am better at wildlife photography, but my friends there helped me out in getting better at capturing humans too.

Q. What are the things you like and miss the most about SMIT?

Ans. The life and the people definitely. The location of our college, as everyone knows, is amazing and as a photographer, it was always a plus point for me. And the people are so good here, and the talent outstanding.

 When I was a junior, there was so much harmony among everyone. And interaction between juniors and seniors was productive. Nowadays, that interaction is often perceived as ragging. Interaction should be allowed among everyone, which is how college life becomes fun. In my batch, there were just 6-7 disciplinary cases. These days, so many cases of disciplinary actions are coming up.

But anyways, college life is all about fun and studies, of course. I had a lovely experience and have made some great friends and memories that I plan to carry with me for life.

Interview with K.R.N Kashyap

Reported by: Shashank Singh & Aakanksha Singh

Photographs by: Sumit Thakur

Aakanksha: When you came to this college, how many active clubs were present here?

Kashyap:  There were very few clubs at that time, I remember one was the young scientist club, medha magic and one more.

Aakanksha: When you came in second year things started to come up, you became the G.S.A, what was your experience with and without present facilities?

Kashyap: Talking about Wi-Fi, it was bleak only some parts of college were covered. We had to put IP address then again had to put up user id and password and if you’re lucky then you’ll get internet access. The transform was from Dark Age to Modern.

Shashank: What was your experience in opening the club or let’s say bringing new club to S.M.I.T?

Kashyap: Talking About club, it was a little difficult in the beginning; the Director- Maj. Gen. Dasaka, started an initiative of 3 clubs, which could not make an impact on students. Talking about “Me” when I started, had an advantage as the club came with a brand name GOOGLE. People were more exited, they showed more interest.

Aakanksha: What do you think are the opinion of First year for SMIT?

Kashyap: Maybe today’s first year, when they complain that SMIT has nothing and I hear it, I have a very different perspective on that. What I said in first year that SMIT has got nothing, today SMIT’s batch of First year saying “SMIT has got nothing” is way different. It’s my fourth year and I know from what I have been through here. I’ve seen a tremendous Change.

Shashank: Everyone Know you are famous in this college By the Name Google, What were the problems you faced while opening “The Google Student Club”?

Kashyap: I didn’t face any difficulty while opening the club. As I said it came with a brand name and the journey started with me with going with a meet in Goa,”Google India Community Summit 2013”.So, when I came back I had a clear cut idea of how to approach things. So, I went with the plan of action, prepared my schedule for next 6 months, what I am going to do, when and how. So thank god and the Director, he was happy as students were taking initiative. My HOD at that time Mr.M.K Ghosh also helped me at that time. Challenges! When I say challenges, resources were not given at proper time, we always adjusted and Journey was with hard ups and Downs. Challenges were pretty big.

Aakanksha: What was the reaction of students toward the new opened club?

Kashyap: First event 20 participants, second event 80+ participants and I had to send out some back because I couldn't accommodate them. Turnout mostly increased all the time. Then consistency came into play. People always showed interest, as everything we conducted came with a brand name Google map, Android..etc.

Shashank: It was your idea to start this club, but what about your teammates, who might have worked day and night with you to make this club possible?

Kashyap: I had a team of 8 people, it had explicitly defined role which people played such as Technical Lead, Cultural lead, Social Media Lead, Education Lead, Research Lead, Creativity Lead. What I had done was I assigned specific role to a person by taking interviews.

Shashank: What were the keywords that you followed by keeping in mind that you have to open this club?

Kashyap:

1. Never get demotivated
2.  Keep Spirits high
3.  Never Give up
4.  Hard work pays off
5.  Success
6.  Face Hurdles/Challenges
7. Overcome Problem
8. HAVE FAITH

In Conversation With GANGOTRI GOSWAMI...!!

Reported by: Anmol Singh, Shashank Singh, Mayank Arora

Photographs by: Sumit Thakur

Shashank: As everyone know you are the Gangotri Goswami, you were V.P of ECSA, what was your experience in the College as its your last year?

Gangotri:  Starting from first year i got inspired by seniors to take part in extra Curricular Activity. I Joined the first club “ The UnEdited “ , a fortnightly newspaper. Started debating, extemporing, emceeing as well. My first year was very exciting. I had wonderful set of friends who made second year amazing and worth living. well the Third year was busy as everyone got involved in student council. And I Would have definitely missed something if I  wouldn't have come to this place.

Anmol: What was your experience with and without WiFi?

Gangotri: In First & second year I didn't expect WiFi will run so well as it does now. It upgraded From nothing to commendable scale, this college is doing well.

Anmol: Do you imagine life without WiFi?

Gangotri: I Can’t Imagine life without WiFi but it is making us addictive but at the same time we found  ways of other activities like going around and interacting with people and see what is  happening  around. The Disadvantages of WiFi is that people hardly venture out of their room.

Shashank: How do u find juniors in this college?

Gangotri: Juniors are great, present 3^rd years are awesome all of them are into something and not only them the 2^nd years are hard working and I can see various types of activities as MUN and Reverbs started from their batch. I would praise their commendable teamwork and enthusiastic nature.

Anmol: You were the V.P of ECSA and you conducted Echelon last year, so what was your experience?

Gangotri:  Being V.P  made me learn a lot, I came close to many people, interacted with them, which in a way made me earn good friends. Anything you do in campus is that you take a step forward and make yourself happy.

Mayank: Our theme for today is back to the future, Which one year was better for you the 1^st year or the 4^th year
Gangotri: ohh that’s a very tough question, I would have picked up 2^nd and 3^rd  year. Actually in first year you are confused where to go as you are directly from 12^th, whether I should study more or whether should I venture out of my room. When coming to 4^th year you have nothing to lose and I didn't lose anything, so in 4^th year I am content with everything that whatever I did won’t be a point of regret ever.

Mayank: Where do you see SMIT in 10 year’s

Gangotri: I would imagine the students of SMIT going and representing India in world Debate.

Mayank: Do you think something is lacking in this college?

Gangotri: Yes, First there is a gap, a barrier between college management and students, we are trying to forge that gap since first year but students have to go and ask for permission from authorities to exhibit their creativity and talent. The amount of inspiration is lacking. There are so many things that go inside like the managerial board and various activities happening, but then only few people know about it.The Concept of attendance is very controversial and need improvement as well as the need of an optional Mess. The security system in College need some improvement.

Mayank: Do u think people of SMIT are active?

Gangotri: Yes, by looking at you people ,you people are very active but there are some people who only restrict to their rooms, there a lot to be done from management side.

Mayank: Dil se 5 baate about SMIT

Gangotri:

1.          Awesome friends
2.         You’ll get opportunities if you’ll look for them.
3.         Great campus
4.         You can take out inner qualities, as you have free time. You’ll have moment of pros and cons.
5.         I have a collage of memories of my days in SMIT which I’ll carry along.

Interview of Dibyashree Pradhan

Q) I believe this is the first time anyone did something like this in SMIT. What inspired you to organise the Flash mob?

A) We have always believed that ECE is the best department and we put in a lot of hard work for the entire fest. The flash mob was probably the best way to show it. It is like a prelude to what comes next.
 

Q) How did you get the idea for a flash mob? Did you see it somewhere?

A) Yeah actually in the movie “Friends with Benefits”. There is a scene in which a flash mob takes place. So I kind of got the idea from there.

Q) I think we all want to ask this question, what do you have in store for us in the fest?

A) Tomorrow, you are all going to experience a magic world. If you are a Harry Potter fan and if you’ve ever wanted to go to Hogwarts, tomorrow is going to be your dream come true.

Q) So what was the main objective behind the flash mob?

A) Our objective was to connect with people. I am part of a dance group, Illusion but I’ve always wanted to be part of a huge group. We actually thought that people would join in but they started watching us so it was okay. I had thought of implementing it in Kaalrav but we couldn’t do it then. This also showcases the hard work and unity of the ECE team. We spent over 3 months preparing for this. The team spirit is amazing.

Q) What about the play? Whose idea was it?

A) The “Halla Bol” theatrics group should be given full credit for that. They approached us with the idea and we liked it so we included it.

Q) Lastly, do you have any more such plans for the college?

A) Well, right now, I’m exhausted and I cannot think of anything but I think that ideas will come and we’ll do our best to implement them.

- by Yash Raj Chettri and Ankita Chettri