WHO BENEFITS FROM RAGGING? By Wilma KS, Trivandrum, India
Sabita, a 1st semester Engineering student, had consumed poison in an attempt to commit suicide. Her parents complained that she exhibited strange behavior which was unlike her for some days before the incident. Now, waiting impatiently before the Emergency Care Unit where their daughter was battling for life, they had only prayers that she survives. After a week of medication and prayers, Sabita began to recover slowly and gradually her condition improved and she was in a position to talk. The only thing she said was that she should not be sent back to college. She unfolded her story which explicitly brought out the ugly face of ragging in college campuses.
Ragging, which is a phenomenon known worldwide was seen as practiced even in ancient Greece. In ancient Indian history, there is the mention of ragging of fresher’s by the seniors in the army. Ragging may be defined as the systematic ritual of physical and psychological abuse of juniors by their seniors in an educational institution. Ragging may take several forms verbal, physical and sexual.
It takes its worst form when fresher’s are physically hurt to the extend landing up in hospitals with fatal injuries. Some are even forced to take drugs in the name of ragging. A disorganized set of fresher’s are let to face a well-organized and strong seniors who are 'masters' of the campus and the juniors are literally white with fear when raggers approach them. A 'no' from a junior means punishment so severe that death is preferred. Till recently, there have been deaths and several cases of attempted suicides. Terrified juniors are often unable to withstand the treatment meted out to them. So they agree to do whatever they are asked to do. Actually this kind of mental and physical torture leaves an indelible scar on the self-esteem and self-worth of the victim which can lead to depression and suicide in the absence of moral support. There are innumerable reports were students discontinue their studies fearing ragging, thus ruining their careers and their future.
Ragging is condemned by all civilized societies. In recent times it has been the focus of a number of legal actions. Several legislations have been passed. In 1997, the Tamil Nadu Government passed a legislation relating to ragging. In 2001, the Supreme Court of India, in its landmark judgment pronounced that First Information Report (FIR) should be filed with the Police in any instance of a complaint of ragging. Again, in 2006, the Apex Court directed the Human Resources Department Ministry to form a panel which will suggest guidelines to control ragging. The role of the media in containing this menace is highly appreciable .Almost all cases are reported by the media and immense coverage is given to almost all incidents. But many institutions cover up such cases due to fear of a negative impact. As a result, perpetrators go scot free. Even if they are brought to book, they are usually let off with a mild warning. At the same time there are places that have strictly banned raging. Students who ill-treat their juniors in the name of ragging are expelled from colleges in these places.
Some Sociologists say that ragging in a mild and decent form is good. It instills courage and self-esteem among juniors who are subjected to it. They also believe that it is a sort of inter-action between the juniors and the seniors and it should be taken in such a spirit. Yet, the majority believes that ragging is a social evil and society as a whole abhors it. This is because of the incidents in the past in which tragedies have occurred in the name of ragging.
In recent years, the situation of ragging is turning uglier. Seniors revel in the sad plight of juniors. Some sort of sadism overrules the former. Ragging is definitely a social menace. The existing provisions in the Indian Penal Code have not been able to contain this. Every year steps are announced by college administration to curb this evil but it continues unabated. It has to wipe out completely and has to be eradicated as a forgone myth. A strict code of conduct for students should be enforced ruthlessly. Otherwise, bright and young lives will end up in some unknown corners of the campuses for reasons which are not theirs at all.
Wilma,
Ragging? This is Saddism and a perversion at its worst...I cant imagine what I would do to someone who hurts my child...Would probably do worse than what they did to him...Just reading makes me violent
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Sunitha,
Thank you for your comment.Did you read the recent report of a veterinary student who was subjected to ragging of its worst kind? I always wonder how young boys and girls hurt each other like this in the name of ragging.
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my lil sister joined a tech coll last year.. i spent a whole month with sleepless nights, just worrying about her. thank god, the admin ppl were very strict.
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Wilma,
Ragging is really a social menace. When I joined college, my parents and all my relatives were apprehensive about sending me to the college for the first few days. But thankfully, our college was very much different from other DU colleges and our seniors were also very friendly. But then, everyone is not so lucky! This practice must be stopped at all costs!!!!
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It is indeed a menace that is on the increase. And it starts these days at junior levels, with bullying. Only most schools deny the existence of bullying on their premises. It is shocking to hear of the extent to which children can be cruel to each other at this tender age. These very kids when they join colleges, wonder what they'll do? If the current status is this, won't it get worse?
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I have faced ragging twice. In college where it was mild and at a professional institute where it was humiliating and scary. It needs to be banned and I feel like Suneetha if I think of anyone ragging my little one ever...
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