‘College Camaraderie Is Healthy, But Ragging May Leave Scars For Life’
Mayukh Bhattacharya, who is pursuing Masters in Mass Communications from Jadavpur University, Kolkata, says ragging or hazing continues to be a concerning issue. His views:
Ragging in Kerala, despite its high literacy rates, is indeed alarming. It reflects on the fact that education and total literacy alone isn’t enough to eradicate festering social issues like this. Campaigns have raised awareness, but the persistence of ragging indicates a lack of empathy and respect among certain students.
The traditional mindset of hazing as a rite of passage still exists, overshadowing the values of kindness, equality and inclusivity. Comprehensive mental health support, awareness campaigns, as well as strong enforcement of laws and everyday conduct should be implemented immediately to change this toxic culture, Thereby, eventually, ensuring the safety and well-being of students in all educational institutions, especially those who are entering higher education with dreams and aspirations.
Ragging continues to be a concerning issue in general, but, to be specific, talking about Kolkata and Bengal, I haven’t heard about anything in particular. However, it seems that the negative tradition of seniors asserting dominance over juniors is prevalent in some institutions.
Personally, I have not experienced ragging, and my circle of friends has also not shared any such experiences. However, there are people who do share harrowing experiences of humiliation and intimidation.
It’s really disheartening to know that despite anti-ragging laws, the fear and trauma faced by students often go unnoticed. Social stigma and peer pressure allow these bullying practices to persist, and it’s essential for families, communities, teachers and institutions to work together to eradicate this practice.
Seniors who indulge in ragging often justify their actions as part of a ‘tradition’, or, as a means to assert authority. This behaviour stems from a toxic culture of power dynamics and feudal behaviour, where seniors feel a need to establish dominance over juniors. The need to relive their own experience of hazing or the desire for social status within peer groups often fuels such an obsession for cruelty.
Deep-rooted insecurities, a terrible lack of empathy, and misguided ideas about ‘discipline’ and control, contribute to the normalization of ragging. Changing this mentality requires reshaping entrenched perceptions and promoting healthy, respectful and meaningful interactions in our educational institutions.
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It is a sad fact that ragging is more commonly reported in engineering and science colleges, primarily due to their highly competitive and stressed-out environments, and large student populations. These institutions often create strong hierarchies among students, and seniors may use ragging as a way to assert control and power over newcomers. The pressure to fit in, coupled with a lack of strong anti-ragging measures, create a breeding ground for such brutish behaviour.
However, it is important to note that ragging can occur in any academic institution, and no field of study is immune to the dangers of toxic peer dynamics.
Surely, ragging can be stopped through several approaches. First, strict enforcement of anti-ragging laws and policies is essential, with ‘clear consequences’ for offenders. Institutions must create safe spaces for students to report incidents without fear of retaliation. Awareness campaigns and counselling services should be regularly provided to help students understand the damaging effects of ragging.
Fostering a culture of respect, inclusivity, equality, and empathy within educational institutions, is the key. Additionally, involving faculty, parents, and students in open discussions about the importance of kindness and respect can help shift mindsets and eradicate this harmful practice.
A place of higher education should be liberating and heady, despite the daily hard work and academic stress. Seniors should share their knowledge systems with the younger students, guide and help them in their new and strange circumstances, away from home, and build collective bonding of friendships and solidarity in harmony, within an environment of enlightenment and fulfilment. Ragging can leave long term-scars. On the contrary, an atmosphere of bonhomie and shared learning can be truly liberating.
As told to Amit Sengupta
