Campus Watch: Osmium — the story of the most lovable club of UIET

In 2008, amidst the routine of the University Institute of Engineering and Technology (UIET), Panjab University, a small spark of creativity ignited a movement. Manish Jindal, a third-year engineering student with a passion for theatre and a desire to express his frustrations about political disturbances and daily life, decided to take a bold step. With little support and minimal resources, he founded Osmium, a theatre club that would become a beacon of free expression and creativity.

Manish’s vision was simple yet profound: to create a space where students could voice their thoughts and stories without constraints. His passion soon attracted three other kindred spirits, forming what would later be celebrated as the golden trinity of Osmium: Manish Sir, Divyanshu Sir (affectionately known as DV Sir), and Raghav Sir. Together, they began writing and producing plays that dared to tackle sensitive societal issues. Their breakout performance, “Kya Fark Padta Hai,” a satirical take on the apathy surrounding India’s voting system, struck a chord with audiences and earned Osmium recognition in the tricity area.

The early days were far from glamorous. Rehearsals were held in makeshift spaces, and the group often faced skepticism and indifference. Yet, their commitment to a no-hierarchy, free-thinking culture resonated deeply with the student body. Osmium became a haven for those who felt unheard, offering a platform where everyone could share their story, regardless of their background or experience. Bhupesh Yadav, a former UIET student and a key member of Osmium, recalls the initial struggles and triumphs: “Osmium was like a family to me. We had to fight for every bit of recognition, practicing for hours in any available space. But the bond we created and the passion we shared made it all worth it. Listening to stories about our seniors always motivated us to keep the club’s legacy alive and win.”

As Osmium began to find its footing, their hard work paid off. They started winning competitions at prestigious institutions like IIM Bangalore and various IITs, establishing a reputation for excellence and putting UIET on the national map. These victories were not just about trophies; they were about proving that creativity and passion could triumph against all odds. However, the journey was not without its setbacks. The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, disrupting campus life and halting their activities. Bhupesh reflected on this difficult period: “After COVID, maintaining discipline and work culture became a huge challenge. The slightest mistakes could cause significant setbacks, and the culture we had built didn’t transfer smoothly from one batch to another. But we’re determined to revive it, educating juniors about the club’s legacy and what they’re working towards.”

Despite these obstacles, Osmium made a dramatic comeback in 2023, winning 1st place at PEC Chandigarh for their stage play. This victory was a testament to their resilience and unwavering spirit. Reflecting on the journey, Bhupesh added: “We have had our ups and downs, but this is what keeps us going. Even the seniors who have now turned 30+ still root for what Osmium is doing and keep track of the activities. This is what Osmium does to you—it becomes a part of you and stays with you. You can leave Osmium, but Osmium can never leave you behind.”
Osmium’s story is a true underdog tale—a group of students with nothing but passion and determination overcoming countless hurdles to create something extraordinary. From practicing in dimly lit corners to standing victorious on national stages, their journey is a testament to the power of creativity, resilience, and community. It gave an engineer like Divyanshu a chance to become a filmmaker who gave us masterpieces like ‘The Flames’ and ‘The Cubicles. Osmium will always entertain us and keep reciting “Hai Dil mei josh irado mei dum aaya aaya Osmium.”