Ragging Malady

My Comments published in Deccan Chronical on 14 November 2010.


The basic problem is in the upbringing of these children. Parents also somehow inadvertently encourage this rebellious trend by taking their children’s side. This sows the seed of aggression in them, which manifests itself as ragging when they are in hostels at the college level.

The fact that all four medical students accused of ragging to death their junior Aman Kachroo last year were convicted and sentenced to a four-year jail term by a fast track court is a landmark judgement. This will definitely set a precedent and at least to some extent serve as a deterrent to those indulging in this menace. Ragging is a perennial problem in professional courses like engineering and medicine. It is a common pattern that those belonging to affluent families and coming from outside the region where the college is situated, indulge in these activities. The psychology behind this is that there is an element of anonymity involved since they come from elsewhere. Besides this, the other additional factor is that they know they hail from wealthy families, so they think their parents with their money power and connections, can bail them out of any problem. These young people are not law-fearing or law-abiding and do whatever they want.
This is especially common in students who have paid a hefty capitation fee and got admission, so the college authorities go soft on them because they know that the monetary resources are coming from them.

The basic problem is in the upbringing of these children. Parents also somehow inadvertently encourage this rebellious trend by taking their children’s side. This sows the seed of aggression in them, which manifests itself as ragging when they are in hostels at the college level. So it is necessary to nip the problem in the bud. This is possible only if there are counseling sessions set up at school and college levels. At least to start with these should be initiated at the college level, so that professors can meet the parents and inform them about the students’ behaviour. It is necessary to make a beginning somewhere to stop this ragging menace.

However, I am really happy to hear about this judgement, because for the first time some harsh action has been initiated against the perpetrators. But this will not solve the issue. The problem is deep-rooted and the resolution to the problem can only happen with the commencement of timely parent and student counselling sessions at school and college.

The writer is Human Resource Management, Personal Growth Consultant and former Vice Chancellor, BU.
(As told to Sanchita Sen)