Behind the façade of ‘welcoming’ new students to college, ragging, in actuality, is a notorious practice wherein the senior students get an excuse to harass their junior counterparts, and more often than not, make them easy targets to satiate their own perverse sadistic pleasures. Apart from sustaining grievous physical injuries, those unfortunate students who succumb to ragging either develop a fear psychosis that haunts them throughout their lives, or worse, quit their college education even before it begins. For any student who slogs day and night to secure admission into a prestigious college, ragging can be his or her worst nightmare come true. It would not be an exaggeration to say that, today, ragging has taken the shape of a serious human rights violation with even the most respected and disciplined educational institutes falling prey to it.

Meaning Of Ragging

In common parlance, ragging means - to tease, to berate, scold or taunt, playing practical jokes on somebody or teaching someone a lesson.

The Honorable Supreme Court of India perhaps has given a more comprehensive meaning of ragging as under :

“Ragging is any disorderly conduct, whether by words spoken or written, or by an act which has the effect of teasing, treating or handling with rudeness any student, indulging in rowdy or indiscipline activities which cause or are likely to cause annoyance, hardship or psychological harm or to raise fear or apprehension thereof in a fresher or a junior student and which has the effect of causing or generating a sense of shame or embarrassment so as to adversely affect the psyche of a fresher or a junior student.”

Early Traces

Ragging history’s earliest traces were found at Greek Olympics- 8th Century onwards, adopted as initiation methods among military groups. 18th Century: Adopted by student organizations in US/Europe – Soon attained racial overtones. Legacy of British Raj in India – Army and English schools.

Ragging has a long history, and has been highlighted in literature (e.g., in Britain, Tom Brown’s Schooldays, or Boy by Roald Dahl, and in India, Chetan Bhagat’s Five Point Someone). Another example can be seen in C.S. Lewis’s “The Silver Chair” in which the main characters attend a school in which ...what ten or fifteen of the biggest boys and girls liked best were bullying the other children”

Ragging is a form of abuse on newcomers to educational institutions in Australia, Britain, India, Sri Lanka and in many other Commonwealth countries. It is similar to the American form, known as hazing, but is commonly much more severe.

Some senior students force the unorganized newcomers to undergo several forms of mental, physical and sexual abuses, sometimes a single act may be a combination of more than one of these abuses. However, with time, ragging assumed obnoxious and harmful connotations and is severely condemned. Today, almost all countries of the world have enacted stern laws that ban ragging and it has been completely eradicated in countries such as Canada and Japan.

Ragging became a big problem during 1990s and the worst form of ragging is deep rooted in the Indian educational set up. In fact, according to a research conducted by CURE, India and Sri Lanka are the only two countries in the world where ragging exists.

The severest form of ragging is enacted in engineering, medical and military colleges.
In two cases, one at Visva Bharti, Santiniketan and the other at School of Medical Education, Kottayam, the Freshers were actually raped by the seniors on the name of ragging.

Anti Ragging organization, SAVE, stated in a recent publication that in some institutions it has been reportedly turned into a tool for extorting money from the juniors. Ragging is different from other crimes because the motive is solely to get perverse pleasure. Ragging is also different from other crimes as it is actively promoted by certain sections of the society.

Ragging is usually conducted during a fixed period in most institutions, which may range from one day to almost the whole year. Once this period is over, seniors suddenly become ‘friends’. In any event, innumerable Freshers under severe stress may then leave the system , or may be suffering from serious psychological trauma, which may continue to take its toll through post-traumatic stress disorders. Occasionally, there may be physical injury, and some may even commit suicide.

It has been observed that often, after the ragging season, the friendship between juniors and seniors is only apparent, possibly due to the fact the junior still remains dependent on the seniors in many respects and also out of the fear.

The Psyche Of The Perpetrators

Ragging takes place because of a mindset that ‘we’ were victimized then why, when we have ‘evolved’ into seniors and are ‘authorized’ to victimize others, should refrain from doing so?
It is to be understood that ragging is not merely a socio-legal problem. It has a certain psychological basis too. Just as every crime has a motive, what is it that propels a ‘professional ragger’ to indulge in ragging? Let us examine some possible reasons that initiate ragging:

Ragging Gives A Sense of Authority.

By having the freshmen always at his command, a senior student nurtures a sense of authority which boasts his morale and puts him on a high.

Ragging Can Be A Means Of Retaliation.

A senior who has some previous history of ragging may like to get back by venting his frustrations on the freshmen.

Satisfaction Of Sadistic Pleasures.

A potential ragger sees ragging as a good opportunity to satiate his sadistic pleasures all at the cost of a poor freshmen’s imagination.

Peer Pressure.

It is also a reality that not all seniors who commit ragging enjoy doing it at their will. Since most of their classmates indulging in ragging, they fear being left out. So in order to avoid isolation, they too join the herd.

Ragging Makes A Fashion Statement.

Many senior students live under the misconception that ragging makes a style statement and thus will put them in the ‘influential crowd’ of their college.

Sociological And Psychological Implications.

A group behavior that persists despite official sanctions against it and widespread public disapproval must be serving some function in the social system where it occurs and it may be useful to reflect upon the systematic patterns that emerge and the psychological significance of it. What makes otherwise normal, reasonably intelligent youngsters, often from a middle class background, with the appropriate family background and upbringing, indulge in senseless and sadistic acts?

If we do not understand what goes on in the minds of such people, we may never know how to tackle the problem.

Factors like the nature of selection (merit versus capitation fees), local attitudes towards violence and bullying, and segregation and alienation based on caste and language may play a role in the higher frequency of ragging in certain situations. Students entering professional colleges may feel intellectually superior to those who have failed to make the grade. Ragging-especially physical ragging-may also be a means of showing one’s physical strength to juniors and colleagues and a means to illustrate who the “first among equals” is.

According to  Dr. Shobna Sonpar, Society for People’s Action, Change and Enforcement – SPACE, the most apparent dynamic is that of a power play, whereby ritual humiliation and aggression are used to maintain the social hierarchy.

“The fresher must know who the boss is,” is a comment often heard. Freshers are often told not to act too smart and do as they are told. The proof of dominance for the senior is when the fresher breaks down. Therefore ragging has to hurt. “The fresher has to be stretched like a rubber band until he snaps,” and that is the point of the exercise according to one student. Also, Freshers must be cut down to size because they tend to think too highly of themselves having gained admission through tough competition.

The reasons typically offered to explain it, such as, the frustration of the youth, the lack of student-teacher interaction, the cult of violence, the decline of moral values, do not enhance our understanding in any major way. These explanations also fail to take into account the curious fact that those students who vehemently condemned the practice as Freshers (as new college entrants are called), became its ardent supporters later.

And what of those “hard core raggers” who are agreed by all to exceed the limits? These students, usually a very small number, appear to be marginal to the communal life of the hostel or the college. They emerge during the ragging period to lord it over Freshers in ways that are often vicious and violent. While there is the thrill of power in all ragging, for these students ragging seems to compensate for some deep-seated personal insecurity. They seem to deprive self-esteem from their tough public images which they then have to live up to. They also differ from the others in that they do not later become friendly with the Freshers they have ragged.

Not only are individual hang-ups played out in ragging, but also social prejudice and the assertion of group dominance. It is common ragging practice for seniors in a predominantly English-speaking college to mock the speech and manners of those from dissimilar backgrounds and vice-versa.

The ultimate, tragic irony lies in the fact that Aman Kachroo’s (a medico) life was snuffed out by boys who were training to become doctors. Is it not a paradox that our future healers are perpetrators of fear and humiliation?

It is also true that many in the profession are aware of ragging but call it a “student’s issue” which does not require intervention. It is viewed as akin to a street fight about which we are not concerned or can do nothing; in any case, a token suspension of the hostel warden or supervisor is not going to bring back lives or sanity lost.

There are far too many indications that violence and bigotry-racial, religious, caste or other-have been on the rise in India over the past two decades or so. Unless we take strong action against ragging and those who rag, we will be guilty of adding to the growing intolerance and brutality in society.

Ragging does not spare even its perpetrators. Those found guilty of ragging may be suspended, blacklisted and even permanently expelled from college. From those who are victims of ragging to those who commit or encourage it, ragging spares none.

Shocking Consequences Of Ragging.

It is said that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. This truly stands apt in the case of ragging. What begins from a friendly introduction in the name of ragging takes no time to assume disgusting and perverted overtones. Let us examine some shocking consequences of ragging:

How Ragging Affects The Victim.

- An unpleasant incident of ragging may leave a permanent scar in the victim’s mind that may haunt him for years to come.
- The victim declines into a shell, forcing himself into ignominy and alienation from the rest of the world.
- It demoralizes the victim who joins college life with many hopes and expectations.
- Though incidents of physical assault and grievous injuries are not new, ragging also simultaneously causes grave psychological stress and trauma to the victim.
- Those students who choose to protest against ragging are very likely to face ostracism from their seniors in the future.
- Those who succumb to ragging may drop out thereby hampering their career prospects.
- In extreme cases, incidents of suicides and culpable homicide have also been reported.

How Ragging Affects The Victim’s Family.

One can imagine the plight of a ragging victim’s family, especially his or her parents who see their child suffering in pain and stress. Besides incurring medical and other incidental expenses to rehabilitate their child, they also have to bear the trauma of seeing his or her prospective career coming to an end. A mother in Andhra Pradesh committed suicide on learning about her son’s torture in the college.

Human Rights And Ragging.

Ragging, though widely believed to be a major factor for campus violence and suicides in educational institutions in India, has yet to be recognized as traditional and systematic human rights abuse in education, and such human right violations in education have not been given the proper attention in India. However, within the United Nations, ragging has been considered as an issue of human rights in education.

Ragging Affects The Educational Institution.

Severe media barrage in extreme cases of ragging lowers the character of the educational institution and destroys the respect and faith it commands from society, thereby hampering its reputation and goodwill.

Substantive Laws Prohibiting Ragging

Several laws and legislations have been enacted but the apparition of ragging is still haunting the educational institutions in India. The most astonishing fact is that ragging in educational institutions exists only in India and Sri Lanka (A Fight against the Evil, Indian Currents – 3 September 2006). However, the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka decided in April 1998 on the constitutionality of a law that aimed to outlaw and suppress inter alia, verbal abuse (recognized as ragging, bullying, or harassment) within educational institutions.
 
Only Four State Legislations In India Prohibit Ragging.

These are:
- The Prohibition of Ragging Act, 1996. (Applicable in the State of Tamil Nadu).
- The Kerala Prohibition of Ragging Act, 1998.
- The Maharashtra Prohibition of Ragging Act, 1999.
- The Prohibition of Ragging in Educational Institutes Act, 2000 (Applicable in the State of West Bengal).

The Landmark Supreme Court Guidelines

With ragging becoming a national issue affecting thousands of students across India; the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India too could not remain silent and has seriously condemned the issue.
So far there have been two landmark judgments prohibiting ragging. These are:
- Ragging of Freshers in Thiruvananthapuram Government Engineering College vs. State of Kerala
- Vishwa Jagriti Mission through President vs. Central Government through Cabinet Secretary

The judgment in the case of Vishwa Jagriti Mission through President vs. Central Government, through Cabinet Secretary is particularly significant as the Hon’ble Supreme Court, while exercising its jurisdiction under Articles 32 and 142 of the Constitution of India, has laid down broad guidelines for colleges and educational institutes to prevent ragging. Very briefly, these guidelines are:

Anti -Ragging Movements To Be Initiated By All Colleges And Educational Institutes.

Anti-ragging movements should be initiated by the institutions right from the time of advertisement for admissions. The prospectus, the forms for admission and/or any other literature issued to aspirants for admission must clearly mention that ragging is banned in the institution and any one indulging in ragging is likely to be punished appropriately with punishment which may include expulsion or suspension from the institution or class for a limited period or fine with a public apology. The punishment may also take the shape of: (i) withholding scholarships or other benefits (ii) debarring from representation in events (iii) withholding results (iv) suspension or expulsion from hostel or mess, and the like. If there be any legislation governing ragging or any provisions in the Statutes/Ordinances they should be brought to the notice of the students/parents seeking admissions.

Undertakings To Be Taken Both From The Freshmen And Their Parents/ Guardians.

Undertaking To Be Taken From Seniors Students And Their Parents/Guardians Too.

Notices To Be Issued Indicating Where To Approach For Redressal In Case Of Ragging.
A printed leaflet detailing when and to whom one has to turn for information, help and guidance for various purposes should be given to Freshers at the time of admissions so that the Freshers need not look up to the seniors for help in such matters and feel indebted to or obliged by them.

Management, Principles And The Teaching Staff To Have Personal Interaction With The Freshmen.
Take them in confidence by apprising them of their right as well as obligation to fight against ragging and to generate confidence that any instance of ragging to which they are subjected or which comes in their knowledge should forthwith be brought to their knowledge and shall be promptly dealt with. It would be better if the head of the institution or a person high in authority addresses meetings of teachers, parents and students collectively or in groups in this behalf.

Practorial Committees To Be Set Up.

To keep a continuous watch and vigil over ragging so as to prevent its occurrence and recurrence. To promptly deal with the incidents of ragging brought to its notice and summarily punish the guilty either by itself or by putting forth its findings/ recommendations/ suggestions before the authority competent to take decision.

Ragging- Prone Zones To Be Identified And Carefully Guarded. Society To Be Sensitized On The Issue Of Ragging.

The local community and the students in particular must be aware of the dehumanizing effect of ragging inherent in its perversity. Posters, notice boards and signboards wherever necessary, may be used for the purpose.

Failure To Prevent Ragging To Be Constructed As An Act Of Negligence.

Failure to prevent ragging to be constructed as an act of negligence in maintaining discipline in the institution on the part of the management, the principal and the persons in authority of the institution. Similar responsibility shall be liable to be fixed on hostel wardens/superintendents.

Hostels/Accommodations To Be Carefully Guarded.

Migration Certificates To Mention Whether The Student Ever Indulged In Ragging.
 
Withdrawal Of Financial Assistance To Institutes Where Ragging Incidents Are Reported.

Students To First Approach Their Colleges: In case of any incident of ragging, the students must approach the Disciplinary Committee of their respective colleges first and only if the said Committee does not take cognizance of the matter or if they feel dissatisfied with its decision that they should approach the police. The objective behind this is to restore the faith in the ability of educational institutions to maintain discipline and protect the interests of their students.

Police Not To Follow A Retributive Approach While Dealing With Ragging Culprits.

 It may be important to note here that the above stated guidelines are only illustrative and are not intended to come in the way of the educational institutions and authorities devising ways and mean to curb ragging. If there are any local laws governing ragging, they should be implemented and knowledge and information about such laws should also be disseminated.

Apart from these Faculty sensitization and training, promote formal social science research on ragging and Media- should avoid sensationalism - Spicy stuff defocuses the attention. Ragging needs to be established as a social taboo

Role Of Academics And Professionals.

Expectedly, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has prepared draft regulations that intend to make it compulsory for students and their wards to state in writing that they are aware of the laws and punishment for ragging. It is not clear why such solutions are required when there is already a Supreme Court guidance note on this subject. Besides, does it really require a suggestion from an educational body to state the obvious-that ragging is illegal and inhumane? However, there is a lot that we as teachers and as professionals can do to prevent our students from being dragged into this cycle of brutality-either as a perpetrators or as victims. Ideally students should be counseled before they join any line of study-to ensure that they are mentally and physically capable of completing the course and succeeding in that particular line. This is standard practice to filter out a medically or physically unfit candidate from joining the armed forces. However, we do not, currently or in the near future, see such a solution in India for other courses, such as medicine. Interventions need to be two pronged. First, there should be stronger deterrents to ragging in the form of rules and strict punishments (akin to those for cheating in exams) accompanied by more vigilant monitoring of places and situations as suggested earlier (such as isolated hostels and private hostels) where students are at risk of being ragged. However, it is not enough to focus on punishments alone.

There must also be a positive approach, encouraging senior students to adopt more inclusive and civilized methods to show juniors “the ropes”. Senior students need to have other models of welcoming new students into their fold and guiding them. Colleges should be much more proactive. Teachers should create an atmosphere where Freshers interact with seniors in a manner that does away with the power differential early on. Study groups moderated by teachers should have students from different years and each junior student should get a senior student as mentor. Several colleges hand out material to seniors on what ragging can do to a human being.

Ragging is a problem of the students and by the students; and therefore, the solution to it also lies with the students. With ragging becoming rampant in colleges, it is about time that the student community awakens its conscience to this inhuman practice before more and more innocent students become victims of it and before more and more educational institutes are degraded by it.

Violent practices are learned, and passed on from one generation to the next. It is possible to bring a halt to this “tradition”. What we need is a model for terminating ragging, terminating the very idea of deriving pleasure from humiliating another human being. Administrations, teachers and colleges often view ragging as a private and fun affair, at worst a rite of initiation that is a necessary evil. They need to recognize it as a form of bullying and get actively involved in stopping this violation of human rights.

Conclusion

It is clear that the practice of ragging warrants in-depth study by behavioral scientists. A mere scratching of the surface yields leads that may be further explored by psychologists and sociologists. An understanding of the psychological significance of the practice as it
typically manifests may help in devising measures to prevent its excesses.

Don’t Rag, Interact !

Sporting activities, student mentor bodies can play a very good role in this. College Authorities can open a Chapter in college to help and suggest ways to stop ragging in their institution. Students need to talk about the issue of Ragging with friends in School or College and create awareness. Should get involved in activities and projects if you feel motivated or start new ones.CURE has actually declared a “No Ragging Day”, October 11. On that day, in 2005, Amit Sahai, an engineering student, committed suicide after being ragged. You can be a part of F-Cure (Faculty Cure), can contact CURE for newsletters (free of cost). CURE offers counseling to ragging victims, you can Mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  help@noragging.com  and cure@noragging.com for help and counseling Several non profit organizations have come forward to curb ragging and help victims of ragging like SAVE.

In the wake of such recent happenings Human Resource Department Ministry has started a toll free helpline for harassed students and has also opened up a website. Stringent anti ragging rules, based on Supreme Court orders have been implemented. UGC Regulation on curbing the menace of ragging is all set to monitor Colleges. As they get a call from a student about ragging, the head of the Institution will be informed within 15 minutes of the call and he will have to submit an Action Taken Report.

Remember, asking for help is not weakness; it only means that you desperately want to get out of your negative emotions and concentrate on the beautiful things in life. Nothing can be more positive than getting rid of depressing energies... Life indeed is beautiful !!!