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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.
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