The day two of Oasis, the annual fest of BITS Pilani, started with the resuming of the stage play competition, where the remaining four (out of seven) teams showcased their productions. Out of all four performances, Abhivyakti, the dramatics society of Maitreyi College received the most cheer.

In the street play competition Jesus and Mary College emerged as winners for their thought provoking and touching play, Dua, which was about Indian Transgender community. Choreo Finals, the contemporary dance competition finals, also took place. With graceful movements and physics-defying stunts, the participating teams thrilled the crowd.

The Night Watch: Stargazing was an event organized by the Astronomy Club of BITS Pilani. It was an event held on top of a huge terrace where students gathered to use telescopes to look at the stars. A small tour was also given by members of the Astronomy Club to visitors. The highlight of the event was seeing the craters on the moon through the high-definition telescope that the club used. Mattresses were laid out on the terrace and visitors watched documentaries along with odd episodes of Rick and Morty playing on a screen. In an enclosed space on the terrace, were posters of science-fiction films, decorated with fairy light and other props which acted as a warm photo-booth.

The Photography Exhibition was organised by the Photography Club of BITS Pilani, where entries were exhibited for public viewing. Entries were submitted by members of the Photography Club of BITS, and themes like absence, eyes, and psychedelic were seen in the exhibition. The photographs were dramatic and thought-provoking. The dark-room, which is an exhibition of photography in the dark, is also now complete and open for public viewing. The beautiful photos resonated with the audience and the comments board received immense positive feedback.

Day two also saw Dastak, an impactful play by on harassment and violence against women in society. It was presented by Sukhmanch Theatre and renowned theatre personality, Shilpi Marwah. Despite the venue for the play being changed last minute due to technical issues, the performance attracted a wide audience. The play which talked about the role of problematic lyrics in building up a culture that objectifies women, eve-teasing, catcalling, rape, and slut-shaming, astounded the audience and managed to move the audience.  

The preliminary round for Razzmataz, the group dance competition, was held on the morning of 2nd November, and teams from many colleges performed their pieces to qualify for the final round which is scheduled to happen on Day 3. The following teams qualified: College of Vocational Studies, Shaheed Bhagat Singh College(M), Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology, Ramjas College, Moti Lal Nehru College, Miranda House.

Swaranjali, the group and solo singing competition, was adjudged by students of the Music Society of BITS Pilani, where different group showcased their musical talent. Deshbandhu College emerged as winners in the group singing category.

Day 2 of Oasis’17 ended on a high note with the musical duo, Vishal-Shekhar, putting up a thrilling show, performing hit numbers like Malhari and Balam Pichkari, and singing throwback sings like Jee le Zara.

They actively engaged with the audience and also spent time to share two important messages. While Shekhar talked about the importance of not giving up on hope to young students under immense academic pressure; Shekhar talked about the importance of recognising how problematic harassment and objectification of women is.

Feature Image Credits: Photo by Vansh Sabharwal

Kinjal Pandey
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Niharika Dabral
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Vijeata Balani
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