BITS Pilani is all set to host the Annual Inter Collegiate Cultural Festival, Oasis 2009 from October 27^th to 31st, 2009. Mr Rahul Bose, Actor, Screenwriter, Director and Social Activist would inaugurate The Oasis, its 39^th edition this year.

There are several cultural programmmes promising 96 hours of non-stop entertainment. It includes several events like Music, Dance, Fashion Shows, Dramas, Quiz, Literary Events, Rock Show competitions and Fun Games.

Over 6000 students are expected which includes 1400 outstation participants representing 70 colleges from various states of India for the five days.

On Oct 28^th Mr Sunil Pal, winner of the Great Indian Laughter Challenge will participate in the Hasya Kavi Sammelan and the English band- Rainbow Bridge, Chennai and team Shanka Ehsaan Loy will present music shows on 29^th and 30^th respectively.

Oasis 2009 has tied up with several cultural organizations including Thespo Drama Group of Mumbai, Glitz Modeling, Delhi and Shiamak Davar’s Institute of Performing Arts, Delhi. They will judge the winners who will get entry to participate in forthcoming national events hosted by these organizations. Oasis Sponsors include the National Network of Education, Blackberry, Sprite, Monte Carlo, Raymond Suiting and Funda Goli.

As a societal concern, the organizers in association with the NSS unit of BITS and the voluntary organization, NIRMAAN, have set up an “Expo of Indian Artistries” which sells sarees, garments, handicrafts, bags, toys etc manufactured by local villagers.

Speaking on the eve of the event, Prof. N.V.M. Rao, Dean, Student Welfare Division said the Oasis, which was started as an annual event in 1969, has grown in magnitude and attained the enviable position of being one of the most comprehensive cultural festivals. He said that their student teams have put in tremendous efforts to make this year’s Oasis unique. He wished that all the participants and students an enjoyable time during the five days.