I had always been interested in politics and policy-making. But as an Electronics and Electrical Communication student at IIT Kharagpur, I had never had any serious insights into current issues or policy. I felt constrained by the lack of avenues and like many young Indians, I was skeptical about our political system.

When I first chanced upon the Legislative Assistant to Members of Parliament (LAMP) Fellowship, it seemed like a very interesting opportunity. The Fellowship offered a chance to work closely with a Member of Parliament (MP) and engage with the legislative process. It was not a natural career path for an Engineer but I felt compelled to give it a shot. In retrospect, it has been a fantastic seven months, working as a Legislative Assistant to an MP!

The LAMP Fellowship gives you a unique perspective to understand the factors that contribute to national legislation, the effort that goes into policy making as well as the political pulls and pressures that MPs deal with.  One of the first things that struck me was the sheer amount of work an MP puts in. The number of people he/she meets on a daily basis, the obligations that they need to fulfil is simply remarkable: kudos to them for the effort that they put in!

Before being placed with my MP, PRS conducted an intensive training session for our cohort. The training familiarised us with basic parliamentary and legal frameworks, parliamentary procedures, information sources and research tools.  It also put me at par with other Fellows who came from a background in Law or other related academic disciplines.

During the course of the past seven months, I have researched myriad issues.  One that I am especially proud of is the extensive work that I have put into researching and analyzing the Copyright Bill. And my MP has selected this to be his maiden speech in Parliament!  Other highlights for me include researching the controversial Lokpal Bill, the Land Acquisition Bill and policy issues such as FDI in retail. Besides working on legislation, I have helped my MP prepare Parliamentary Questions, research for Standing Committee meetings as well as speeches for media and public appearances. I am eagerly looking forward to working on the Union and Railway Budget in the forthcoming session of Parliament.

One of the most important duties of an MP is that of oversight i.e. holding the Executive accountable. This makes Parliamentary Questions a very important tool. Indeed, after undertaking rigorous research to prepare Questions, it is always a great thrill to see it being answered by the Minister in the House.

Working as a Legislative Assistant means that you have to be thorough in your research and keep abreast of all that is happening in the country. This has been one of the most challenging and exciting aspects of the Fellowship.

Besides the opportunity to interact with an MP, the LAMP Fellowship also provides a platform to engage with experts from various fields. Over the past few months, I have interacted with leading opinion makers such as Mr. Brajesh Mishra, Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Mr. S.Y.Qureshi, Mr. Javed Akhtar and many others.

Being a LAMP Fellow offers a platform for young Indians to move a step ahead, to move beyond merely criticizing the government for policy paralysis and constructively participating in the policy making process. As a young citizen, I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to engage with the legislative process in a proactive manner.

For more information on the LAMP fellowship, please visit: www.lamp.prsindia.org/

Applications for 2012-13 are now being invited. Last date to apply: February 26, 2012. 

]]> http://www.insightiitb.org/2012/being-a-lamp-fellow-the-road-to-invaluable-perspectives/feed/ 0 http://www.insightiitb.org/2012/being-a-lamp-fellow-the-road-to-invaluable-perspectives/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/InsightIitBombay/~3/tyB85CaN6R4/ http://www.insightiitb.org/2012/election-results-2012/#comments Fri, 17 Feb 2012 05:33:26 +0000 insightadmin http://www.insightiitb.org/?p=41038 The resuts of the IITB Gymkhana Elections 2012 are as follows:

Total No. of Votes Casted = 5346

General Secretary Academic Affairs (PG) – Bandana Singha
Yes: 1451
No: 88
Neutral: 478
General Secretary Academic Affairs (UG) – Ishan Srivastava
Ishan Srivastava: 1672
Sarjan Satra: 1190
Neutral: 457

General Secretary Cultural Affairs – Poorna Chandra
Koustoobh Pandey: 642
Poorna Chandra: 2122
Uttam Sikaria: 2112
Neutral: 467
General Secretary Hostel Affairs - Chandra Mouli
Chandra Mouli: 1983
Mayank Mundhra: 726
Nayan Jha: 1118
Rishabh Agarwal: 1075
Neutral: 444

General Secretary Sports Affairs - Rajesh Ghusinga
Rajesh Ghusinga: 2414
Somay Munde: 2079
Neutral: 653

Institute Debating Secretary - Achita Jacob
Achita Jacob: 2621
Suman Rao: 1713
Neutral: 1012

Institute Film and Media Secretary - Devendra Chaplot
Abhiram Manjunath: 865
Abhishek Yadav: 1559
Devendra Chaplot: 1688
Neutral: 1234

We need feedback 

Photo credits for the picture used in the article “Commuter Woes: A Tum-Tum Report”  - Rohan Padhye

General Secretary Academic Affairs PG (GSAA-PG)
General Secretary Academic Affairs UG (GSAA-UG)
General Secretary Cultural Affairs (GSCult)
General Secretary Hostel Affairs (GSHA)
General Secretary Sports Affairs (GSSA)

Koustoobh Pandey Election debate video

Poorna Chandra Election debate video

Uttam Sikaria Election debate video

General Secretary Cultural Affairs (GSCult)

1. When and why did you decide to stand for GS?

Koustoobh Pandey

I have been actively involved in the cultural scene of the institute ever since my first year, in performing arts and music. I have also been a part of my hostel council and worked in Mood Indigo, to gain experience in the functioning and organization of events. During my MI tenure, I decided to use this experience in order to better the cultural scene, with which I have been closely and passionately associated throughout my IIT Life.

Poorna Chandra

The decision was made in November. When reviewed my work at the end of the semester prior to endsems, I realized that the majority of the work as an Institute Secretary was to get things done (the execution part of the organizational work). It was a great value addition nevertheless. However, the process of making policies, structure for the activities on campus, negotiating with the dean and other authorities is what that convinced and motivated me to contest for the GS post.

Uttam Sikaria

I took the final call to stand for GS Cultural in early November. After a successful tenure as the IPFAS and after a year of observing the cultural scene from an outsider’s point-of-view, I felt I have gained the necessary perspective and understanding about the different aspects of cultural activities. On a personal level, I relish the novel opportunity to effect change on an institute-wide scale, and help take cultural activities to greater heights.

2. What is the ideology behind your whole manifesto?

Koustoobh Pandey

I want to provide a platform to everyone at every level – be it the beginners, the experienced or just the enthusiasts. For the people who are already at the zenith of their cultural endowment, I will provide bigger and better platforms to showcase their talents and groom them. For the beginners, who want to explore the various genres of cult, I will ensure that they get the chance to do so throughout the year. 

Poorna Chandra

The requirement was to optimize the resources and calendar dates keeping in mind three strata of students on campus available as performers, beginners in learning and as an audience. Also, taking into account the necessity of cultural activities for interaction, for an all-round development of an individual, for leisure and recreation and to develop a hobby.

Uttam Sikaria

My ideology rests upon three pillars: Exposure, Excellence and Execution.

Exposure – Be it high-preparation events, or casual sessions, everyone should be able to pursue their hobby to the limit of their passion.

Excellence: IITBombay’s most talented performers should get the opportunity to display their talent at the most prestigious avenues.

Execution: Flawless execution of cultural events, which cater to the needs and demands of the student community should be the prerogative of the cultural council.

3. Why do you think the electorate will vote for you over your opponent(s)? 

Koustoobh Pandey

It is my experience of working in an Independent Body and the Hostel Cultural Council, which gives me a lot practical knowledge and confidence to effect a change in the organization of cultural events. I am also tremendously passionate about several cultural genres in our institute, having been proactively involved in dramatics, dance and music. It is this passion that drives me to take the cultural scene to a whole new level. 

Poorna Chandra

It is important for the General Secretary to have had a good exposure to how things work at a hostel level, at a club level and at an institute level as far as cultural activities are concerned. Such a ground reality is possible if one has spent enough time in cultural activities himself. The awards the institute and hostel has bestowed on me for having involved myself in cultural activities can prove this. And as organizer too, have held positions at a hostel, department and most importantly at an institute level.

Uttam Sikaria

I bring to the table a unique mixture of perspective and experience. I have had the opportunity to witness the cultural scene at different levels – as a freshman, as convener, as an institute secretary, and finally as a “cult-enthu” senior, which has imbibed in me the understanding of the nuances of the cultural genres. I have a detailed knowledge of the workings of the council and my organizational skills have been felicitated by an organizational colour.

4. What will your focus be on – breadth or depth? Would you rather organise more events for novices or more events for experienced punters?

Koustoobh Pandey

My manifesto reflects my intention to keep a balance between both. I want to offer a chance to the newcomers to explore the diverse cultural scene in the institute and also groom the talented by providing them with opportunities to refine their skills. Informal events will be held (Institute Cultural Day) to get the enthusiasts involved in the cultural scene. Through informal games, interaction among them will improve and new people will provide a fresh outlook to all cultural genres. The experienced will be exposed to various platforms outside the institute as well as within it and will be groomed by recognized professionals.

Poorna Chandra

The major focus would be on breadth. I want to take the cultural activities to the masses since it is a means for an all round development, interaction, leisure and recreation of the individual. Some of my manifesto points like peer-to-peer teaching, cultural weekend, cultural alumni day, speakers society, cultural outings have been made keeping such a philosophy as the basis.

Uttam Sikaria

I feel we have a good structure in place for experienced punters. People who are ready to devote time to cultural activities have a range of events to participate in and there is neither a need nor any scope for increment of such events. It is only novices and those who pursue cultural activities as hobby and can’t devote as much time, who need to be given more opportunities. I would have more activities for novices. For the experienced punters, I shall strive not to have more events but provide more platforms where they can further enhance their cultural prowess.

5. What are your views on having an Inter IIT Cult when individual IIT’s already have established cultural festivals like Mood Indigo, Saarang, Antaragni, etc..?

Koustoobh Pandey

InterIITCult, as a concept, is a wonderful and novel idea. Even though the cultural festivals of individual IITs are well established, they are localised to a considerable extent. A dedicated cultural competition amongst IITs would be an exciting prospect. This would foster a competitive spirit among all students of our institute and would also inculcate team spirit and unity at an institute level among students of all cultural genres. In terms of resources and logistics, the execution of such a ‘Cult Meet’ would be a challenge that I would be ready to take in the best interest of the cultural scene at IIT Bombay.

Poorna Chandra

Given the existing cultural outlets for IIT-Bombay students Inter IIT Cult would just prove to be yet another outlet for talent. However, in the longer run it might turn out to be a matter of pride to represent IIT-Bombay on such a platform. It can of course coexist with other IIT cultural fests (MI, Saarang etc) too if the schedules are worked out well. It might also act as a great step for learning for the newer IITs.

Uttam Sikaria

Inter-IIT Cult is a brilliant plan. It provides a great opportunity to interact with and learn from like-minded individuals in other IITs. The spirit that Inter-IIT embodies is unparalleled as seen from Inter-IIT sports. But it has its cons. Given that we are way ahead in terms of talent as compared to most other IITs, there isn’t comparable competition to look forward to especially in the short run. Thus, if it leads to compromising participation in Mood Indigo for IITB, it’s a definite no-go for us. If it can be accommodated otherwise, then it is surely an amazing initiative.

6. Is there any one point from your manifesto that you would like to highlight?

Koustoobh Pandey

Blogging GC. Blogging is an untapped source, not explored at all. Everyone has an online presence today. Through this GC, I would bring out those hidden bloggers, showcase their talent and make them an active member of the institute as well as hostel cultural scene.

Poorna Chandra

Peer-to-Peer Teaching: A point that focuses on both the novices and experts from the cultural front on campus. Beginners without any fees being charged would be taught by students talented in the field of music, dance, dramatics, photography, fine arts etc. In the process increasing the number of opportunities on campus to learn. Also, facilitating the spreading of knowledge within campus from student to another.

Uttam Sikaria

I feel very strongly about my proposal for a cultural database, because of the various objectives this simple census can achieve. Not only will such an initiative help us catch the pulse of the student community and effectively cater to the institute, but it will also boost participation by customized information dissemination. Keeping record of individual achievements will instill a sense of pride for the institute and motivate students to achieve ever greater heights.

Rajesh Ghusinga Election debate video

Somay Munde Election debate video

1. When and why did you decide to stand for GS?

Rajesh Ghusinga

I had always been a student interested in sports from my first year onwards. I always wanted to boost the level of sports in IIT. Being a part of the council as Institute Athletics Secretary, I could make out that there is a lot one could do to recuperate the sports environment of IIT Bombay and that was the major reason for my being standing for the post of General Secretary Sports Affairs.

Somay Munde

I decided to contest for General Elections after my stint as the hockey secretary. Having been part of sports scenario of the campus for four year as an active sportsman and as a student representative I have been on the both sides of the system and am well aware of the persisting problems.  I’ve brought these out in my Manifesto and proposed possible solutions.

2.What is the ideology behind your whole manifesto?

Rajesh Ghusinga
 My vision is to involve a lot more population of IIT in sports activities. I first of all believe that every student of IIT Bombay, whether a UG or a PG, should be able to fully utilize the sports facilities IIT gives to each of its student. I believe that by facilitating the sports scenario in terms of availability, accessibility, recognition, my vision can be fulfilled.

Somay Munde

While encouraging informal events to involve maximum number of people in the sporting activities, I would like to bring about quality and seriousness to the existing GCs, Inter-IIT and the sports scene in general. I want a culture where the entire student community takes pride in the level and standards set by the Institute as an example for other colleges.

3. Why do you think the electorate will vote for you over your opponent(s)?

Rajesh Ghusinga

Besides pointing out the fallacies in my opponent’s manifesto, it is best to justify why the electorate should vote for me. All the points in my manifesto have been written after sufficient groundwork and are aimed at fulfilling my vision of involving more students in sports and elevating the institute sports facilities. This is my motivation and I can whole heartedly work for it the entire year if I am appointed as the GSSA.

Somay Munde

I bring a different perspective and fresh thought into the system. Having spent a major part of my life in different military and boarding schools, I have seen the positives and negatives of the sports cultures in all of them. An experience of 10 years of school/college level sports and exposure to almost all games sets me apart.

4. Would you limit the number of Inter-IIT players playing for their hostels in niche sports GCs like Squash?

Rajesh Ghusinga
Before taking such a decision, I will consult the sports co-ordinators of each Hostel. The decision taken by them in majority will affect my decision to a great extent because I believe that they should have an important say in the inter hostel events. In case, they decide that none of the Inter-IIT player should be allowed to participate, I will object and try to convince them. My say would be to let Inter-IIT players play, although their number can be limited.

Somay Munde

I think this is not a decision that can be taken individually by one person. If elected, I would discuss this issue with concerned people and only then take a decision after gauging the general opinion towards this issue. In fact I feel it is the role of a GS to make the decision making as democratic as possible. There are valid points for both the sides here but since the entire student community would be affected by the decision, a conclusion can be reached only after deliberating on the pros and cons with as many people as possible.

5. Is there any one point from your manifesto that you would like to highlight?

Rajesh Ghusinga
I will like to pay focus on the formation of Joggers club, Yoga club and Skating Club to improve the health of students and staff. In Joggers club, there will be sessions on proper stretching exercises, gymming, etc. Yoga sessions will teach pranayams and meditation. Skating club will be formed and session will be conducted regularly. A proposal is made for the construction of a new skating arena.

Somay Munde

Yes. I will push for an online sports record to be maintained on ASC for each student. It will be like your academic record, but for all Sports Activities you have participated in or won. This mechanism ensures that a student’s contribution is formally recognised by the institute and also provides an easy medium for verification as and when required. 

Chandra Mouli Election debate video

Mayank Mundhra Election debate video

Nayan Jha Election debate video

Rishabh Agrawal Election debate video

1.   When and why did you decide to stand for GS

Chandra Mouli I decided to contest in the elections for GSHA last November. The working of the current Hostel Affairs Council has inspired me, which I consider the best as yet and I aspire to better. It thrills me when people say “Is baar council ne machaya!” and I desire to carry it further for the next year too, now taking the lead.

Mayank Mundhra I decided to stand for GSHA at the end of last semester after giving it a lot of thought. I have been actively involved in the overall welfare of the hostel. I decided to take this a step ahead and contribute to the welfare of students at the institute level. I find the GSHA as one post which could be much more than infrastructure and services; rather than developing just the hostels, developing the hostelites themselves.

Nayan Jha I found my first inspiration during my tenure as ISHA, where I enjoyed my work, and more importantly so, realized the immense potential a GSHA holds when it comes to envisioning and implementing long term goals for the institute. Over the past year, I have focused on finding solutions to student related issues and if elected, am now ready to implement them for our benefit.

Rishabh Agrawal When I became the Hostel General Secretary, I observed that students face many day to day problems in the institute and their voice is not being addressed (while the services should be such that the students need not bother for them). Because of the irregularities in the tender of electrical sockets in the rooms of hostel 7 I raised the voice and got it changed, which saved the institute approximately 1 lac rupees. This gave me motivation that i have the capabilities of a GS.

2.   What is the ideology behind your whole manifesto?

Chandra Mouli My vision behind my manifesto is to enhance the essential services in the institute and the essence has been captured in the structuring of my manifesto. I tried identifying the major issues with the Mess, Hospital, Tum-Tums, etc and envisioned their progress through the proposals in my manifesto.

Mayank Mundhra In my manifesto I’ve focused on the basic needs and activities that will make our lives better by addressing the most common problems faced by the students. The common thread joining all the points is that each of these points individually contributes a small difference and together they improve the students’ life holistically. Rather than aiming for something extravagant that may be impractical, I have focused more on achievable and practical targets.

Nayan Jha Mine is a people’s manifesto; mainly targeting the problems I identified during my groundwork. I realized that the solutions to the most prevalent problems are very simple indeed if implemented in the right spirit. I want to bring in a sustainable system resolving these very issues and work towards creating a more accessible hostel welfare system.

Rishabh Agrawal My vision behind my whole manifesto is that students should not bother for general mess and maintenance problems in the institute and should rather spend time pursuing their interests

3.   Why do you think the electorate will vote for you over your opponent(s)?

Chandra Mouli As part of the current council (as an ISHA), I have demonstrated that I can set goals and accomplish them. My dedication towards my work and my ambition are my biggest credentials and I believe that I can make a difference in whatever I do.

Mayank Mundhra Several contestants write their manifesto keeping in mind to attract the students so as to become the General Secretary. The other candidates have all been part of this system before and will repeat the routine as they have seen it, whereas I intend to achieve new targets with a fresher perspective but at the same time not forgetting the basic duties expected from a GSHA.

Nayan Jha I believe that the institute will benefit from the ideology that I would bring to this office and the changes I will be able to make. Also, I have a proven record of excelling in the same field with an Institute Organisational Colour for my work as Institute Secretary, Hostel Affairs (ISHA) (2010-11).

Rishabh Agrawal Because I have work experience. I did a lot of work in the hostel as the hostel General Secretary (H7). Past experience of your work helps, and my vision again will help me to achieve the same

4. What is your stance on community based vs usage-based messing system? In the current system a student who doesn’t eat food in the mess regularly effectively pays to subsidize the meals of more regular eaters. Do you think that a pay-per-meal system will be fairer?

Chandra Mouli I believe that, in the current situation, mess should neither be fully community based nor entirely usage-based. We will work out an efficient balance between the two. In the scenario where all the messes are private (which will be the case down the line), it will be easier to design and implement pay-per-meal systems.

Mayank Mundhra I believe the pay-per-meal system is fairer because it provides the choice to the student rather than enforcing the cost on them. There will be difficulties in the initial period, however after that we can assess the eating habits of the students and based on that create an optimum amount of food to reduce the wastage, resulting in overall saving.

Nayan Jha As an individual I support the usage based model, but as a student representative I need to look after the community as well and consider their views. That is why I will try out the model in at least one private and one government mess and then decide based on the feedback. The two systems can co-exist as well (students will have a choice of selecting at the start of each semester) if it benefits all the students.

Rishabh Agrawal Yes, the pay per meal system would be fairer because of the fact there is a asymmetry in the messes inside the campus and a lot of students don’t want to eat the food in their messes and the question still holds why should a student pay for a meal which he/she is not eating. But the option in front of us right now seems to have more food wastage in the institute. We seriously need to think about an alternative option. 

5.   Is there any one point from your manifesto that you would like to highlight?

Chandra Mouli We can construct a concreted full basket ball court utilizing rubble from construction sites bringing down the construction cost to 1/4^th the current market value. This technique has been demonstrated in the paved path near Sunrise Dhaba near H1 and I would like to import it to all hostels as per their requirements. This will prove to be an important stride towards a more green campus.  

Mayank Mundhra The ground reality is that a lot of the students have to work during the night and are inconvenienced by the unavailability of facilities. I intend to provide facilities like a “night-cafe in the academic area” and a “night-photocopy & printing” shop in the hostel area so that the students have easy access and can complete their work without any hindrance.

Nayan Jha The auto rickshaw sharing system is a community driven initiative aimed at meeting the intra- campus transportation needs while complementing the over burdened tum-tum system. By virtue of this, anyone taking up a ride will benefit from the system monetarily as well because the fare will be distributed among the passengers.

Rishabh Agrawal Involve the student community in the per-design issues of the upcoming infrastructure/development in the institute through an open house. Had this point been in place for 5 years back, hostel 14 would have had a separate mess. Hostel 10, 14 would have had grounds. We would have had a disability- friendly institute. Automatic Sensors (Senseless) would not have been present in toilets.

Ishan Shrivastava Election debate video

Sarjan Satra Election debate video

General Secretary Academic Affairs UG (GSAA-UG)

1.   When and why did you decide to stand for GS?

Ishan Shrivastava (Kart)

I decide to contest for GSAA (UG) last semester when, as a Department Academic Mentor, I saw myself thinking of ideas and successfully implementing them at the department level. This directed my thought process towards similar scalable ideas and reforms at the institute level. The post of a GS will provide me an official channel to execute my vision (which is reflected in my manifesto) with maximum impact, and will be a great learning experience.

Sarjan Satra

I decided to stand for GSAA last year after applying, unsuccessfully, for a Management minor course. I knew that people with lower CPIs got the minor. I filed an RTI requesting allocation details and found preferential treatment was given for the 07 batch. My discussions with the Dean AP lead to a project course offered in the MG-minor. After this experience I felt I could take the initiative and make the system effective and student-friendly.

2. What is the ideology behind your whole manifesto?

Ishan Shrivastava (Kart)

The ideology behind my manifesto is to:
1.      Increase the level of awareness about opportunities and systems, make information easily accessible, and assist students in making informed career choices
2.      Improve academic processes, systems and infrastructure to make them more student-friendly
3.      Provide more opportunities to students for them to develop personally and professionally
4.      Represent student interests with all fairness in curriculum and policy reforms

Sarjan Satra

I wish to create a student community that is aware of the many options offered by a flexible curriculum in a student friendly environment. I hope to improve the student support system by transforming the counseling and career guidance scenario in the institute. I intend to reduce some of the rigidness in the present curriculum. I want to give students more freedom, while striving to ensure that they utilize this freedom to the fullest.

3. Why do you think the electorate will vote for you over your opponent(s)

Ishan Shrivastava (Kart)

My manifesto caters to the different academic needs of the students. I have stressed more upon the fundamental reforms and initiatives, solving issues that I came across during my extensive groundwork.
Through the diverse set of organizational and leadership experiences I have had during my stay in IITB, I believe I am in a position to take up this role and leave a lasting impact.

Sarjan Satra

Upon reading both manifestos I hope you will agree that mine is more creative and ambitious. I truly believe in my vision, and the same is highlighted by the fact that a lot of the goals I have set will have far reaching effects even beyond my tenure. I have also been a TA twice, and it has given me an insight into how the academic system functions which is something my opponent again lacks.

4. Previously, when one got an FR and repeated the course, the credits were counted twice; halving your grade in a course with twice as many credits. According to the new curriculum, once you clear a backlog, the credits are counted only once. Do you think this system is fair or the previous system was better?

Ishan Shrivastava (Kart)

Firstly, the effects of a backlog are not just limited to repeating a course. Students cannot take courses which require passing of pre-requisite courses; it is an emotional set-back for a lot, and one cannot take up an institute post with an active backlog. In the current scenario the student can look forward to achieving a good grade on repeating, which helps in motivating the student as opposed to the previous scenario.

Sarjan Satra

Having a backlog, in a core course, has detrimental effects over and above the grade. Being motivated, while repeating a course, is hard. Capping the maximum grade at 5 is not going help that. Most people would not wish for a backlog in order to get a better grade the next time.

5. Do you think that having a tagging window every year is ethical? Especially when it allows for Minor courses to be re-tagged as Institute Electives, hence disincentivizing the former.

Ishan Shrivastava (Kart)

The tagging window promotes additional learning in the institute and I do not believe it is unethical, and it should continue every year. For minor courses, there is a cap on the number of seats which disallows some students to continue with their minor if they do not meet the cut-off. Also, a student might not want to continue with the minor due to lack of further interest. For such cases, this facility is helpful.

Sarjan Satra

The tagging principle offers students more freedom with their curriculum and I support it. The minor curriculum, as it is structured, means that a lot of students do not complete it. Once you decide to stop pursuing a minor, why not receive credit for the efforts you have already put in. Obtaining minor degree should be incentive enough. The latter system better appreciates improvement, which is something that should be viewed positively.

6. Is there any one point from your manifesto that you would like to highlight?

Ishan Shrivastava (Kart)

Of the various initiatives on my manifesto, I would like to highlight the establishment of the Society for Promotion of Undergraduate Research, which would be headed by an ISAA and some SATF members will be the department representatives. The key responsibilities of this society would be to  increase awareness about research, maintain the Project Portal, obtain summer projects for first and second year students, help students find faculty and student mentors, and showcases student projects.

Sarjan Satra

For those not in the know, alumni have recently pledged to raise funds for counseling facilities at IIT-Bombay. The present counseling facilities are a far cry from what they should be. Very few people make use of them. In my manifesto I summarize my vision for counseling services in the institute. Apart from this, as a university I think it is important that we have Career counseling which is another aspect I wish to address.

Bandana Singha

General Secretary Academic Affairs PG (GSAA-PG)

Bandana Singha

1. When and why did you decide to stand for GS?

Having been involved in the PG academic council in the last year, I saw a number of initiatives being taken for the betterment of research and academics at IIT Bombay. This motivated me to personally make a bigger contribution to the above cause by taking charge of affairs. I want to maximize  the  utilization  of  research  potential  of  PG  and  RSs  by:  improving  academic collaboration both internally and externally, enhancing visibility of research, improving research facilities  and  infrastructure  available  and  companionship.  Having been involved in many leadership roles throughout my academic carrier, I want to utilize my skills for the above cause and through the above methods.

2. What is the ideology behind your whole manifesto?

I want to see IIT Bombay as the leader in research and technology output in the whole of Asia within coming years.  This  drives  me  to  go  beyond  my  personal  academic  and  research requirements  and  step  up  for  my  colleagues  and  fellow  researchers  to  improve  the  current academic and research in IIT. I also envision IIT Bombay as the thought leader in economic and social  well-  being  of  the  society  by  being  at  forefront  of  technology,  innovation  and entrepreneurship.

3. What is your take on making internship mandatory for PG students?

Theoretically, internships cannot be made mandatory for PG students as there may not be a need for an interaction with external bodies in some of the projects. However, it has been felt over the year, by a large majority of the PG student body that internships in the research organizations and  relevant  industries  enable  them  to  develop  a  broader  perspective  of  their  research  and enhance manifolds the quality of their research output and increase their confidence in making their output relevant to not only academia but also to industries and the existing knowledge base.

Hence,  even  though  they  cannot  be  made  mandatory,  internships  should  be  encouraged  and supported by faculties, the administration and the student community.

4. Is there any one point from your manifesto that you would like to highlight?

I feel that showcasing of scientific research at IIT Bombay to the relevant academic and non-academic  institutions  and  agencies  respectively  is  utmost  essential  for  the  betterment  of  the opportunities  available  to  the  PG  students  including  the  RSs.  This will also help us in disseminating of the research done to the society at large for its benefit because institutes like IIT Bombay form an integral and inseparable part in the growth of the social fabric.