Do not get provoked, though ragging comes from a disruptive and negative space. No battle can be won without the other side participating. Reach out to a counsellor, says Dr Shaunak Ajinkya, Consultant, Psychiatrist, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital Mumbai
Ragging, the practice of initiating newcomers into a group, elicits a range of perspectives. Some view it as a tradition fostering camaraderie, arguing it builds friendships and a sense of belonging among students. In their eyes, light-hearted initiation activities break the ice and create lasting memories. Conversely, others emphasize the potential harm, pointing out cases of extreme ragging causing severe emotional trauma and psychological distress. They stress that such practices perpetuate a culture of bullying and go against principles of respect. This is a story about Alok (name changed), a 19-year-old student from rural India who newly joined the first-year degree course at an educational institution known for its academic excellence and vibrant campus life.
Alok was ambitious but introverted due to his socio-economic and family background. He was anxious about adjusting to an urban environment and making new friends. He had always been a diligent student, and this was his chance to prove himself in a prestigious institution. He had heard stories about ragging, the practice of seniors welcoming newcomers through light-hearted “initiation” activities. While he was apprehensive, he hoped to make friends and embrace the college hostel experience
THE ORDEAL THAT BROKE HIM
One evening, as Alok was returning to his room late in the night after a study session in the library, his classmate told him that a group of seniors had left a message instructing him and some of the junior students to meet on the terrace of the building at the stroke of midnight. Alok decided to go, feeling a mix of curiosity and apprehension. As the clock struck midnight, Alok cautiously entered the terrace. To his surprise, he found a group of senior students along with a small group of his classmates waiting for him. The seniors had their faces hidden with masks, but an eerie silence hung in the air. One of them broke the silence, instructing Alok and his first-year colleagues to participate in a series of bizarre tasks. These tasks escalated quickly from eating spicy concoctions to reciting embarrassing confessions about themselves in the buff. Terrified and overwhelmed, Alok complied with the increasingly humiliating tasks, feeling trapped in the situation. The seniors’ laughter echoed throughout the night as they watched Alok’s discomfort grow. The ordeal continued for hours, and Alok’s physical and emotional well-being deteriorated.
