Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Rights violation

The editorial "Crime in the name of fun" (Nov. 11) echoes the sentiments of millions across the country. Ragging is a serious human rights violation and exists even in premier educational institutions. That the obnoxious practice has been allowed to continue unchecked is a sad reflection on the professional integrity and moral authority of the authorities concerned. The excuse that action will be taken if complaints are received is unacceptable. Freshers obviously do not complain as they fear further harassment. The situation calls for a strict law and enforcement of the highest order. Juniors should be encouraged to blow the whistle on undesirable activities.

V.N. Mukundarajan,
Kota, Rajasthan

The main reason why ragging continues to flourish is that several instances remain unreported. Newcomers bear humiliation silently as they fear grave repercussions. If ragging is to be eliminated, freshers should be assured of protection and encouraged to report undesirable incidents.

G. Ramachandran,
Pune

It is a matter of grave concern that the temples of learning have turned into ragging centres claiming lives and ruining careers. What started as a move to break the ice between juniors and seniors has assumed sadistic proportions over the years. The barbaric acts committed in the name of ragging leave an indelible blot on the student community. The reprehensible practice of deriving vicarious pleasure in subjecting fellow students to mental agony should end at once.

K. Mahabub Ali,
Hyderabad

On the eve of admissions, colleges should speak to student union leaders and ask them to ensure that freshers are not ragged. Teachers can escort newcomers when they move from one classroom to another or from their classes to hostels.

K.D. Viswanaathan,
Coimbatore

Healthy ragging is part of a system that introduces a fresher to the college atmosphere but physical violence is unacceptable. Students should be asked to come out with their views on the issue in an open debate. Only they can help control ragging.

Air Commodore
V.V. Nair (retd.),
Alappuzha

Anything in excess of moderation is fraught with adverse consequences. In the early 1960s, ragging was mild and, in fact, welcomed as it helped freshers shed their timidity and inhibitions. It enabled them to face the outside world more confidently. But the present form of ragging is an exercise in sadism, which endangers the future of ambitious and aspiring youth.

Seshagiri Row Karry,
Hyderabad

Ragging has developed into a cruel game in which freshers are subjected to humiliating experiences, often with tragic consequences. Seniors claim the right to inflict the same cruelty they presume they suffered. College authorities must be empowered to hand down exemplary and deterrent punishment if a student is caught indulging in ragging.

C.P. Srinivasan,
Chennai

As long as limits are not crossed, ragging is a memorable experience. Running small errands for seniors, their funny comments, their taking us for a ride ... all this is great fun. In a way, ragging prepares a student for the life ahead. But perspectives are relative. What is acceptable to one could be outrageous to another. Seniors must ask themselves what pleasure they get from enforced sycophancy. But there can be no denying that within decent boundaries, ragging is a pleasure and perhaps the best student experience on the campus.

Manohar Ravi Narayana,
Visakhapatnam

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