The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : On ragging

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Friday, Oct 12, 2007
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On ragging

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the article “Ragging and its remedies” (Oct. 11). If authorities who run our educational institutions are forthright in judging the happenings on their campuses, there is no need for committees to go into ragging. I agree with the author that the obligation to file FIRs against students “each time a prank is played or an act of indiscipline is committed is like forcing a father to call in the police each time his children quarrel with, or hurt, one another.” It is heartening to know that people like Valson Thampu are still around.

K. Aravamudhan,

New Delhi I agree that a college should be treated as an academic family. It will go a long way in tackling the menace of ragging. It is important for students not to perceive the college administration as just a rule-enforcing agency because freshers will not find the courage to report incidents of ragging. If faculty members communicate more informally with them, a healthy academic environment can be created. Young faculty members should participate actively in the introduction sessions instead of passively monitoring

Rano Ringo,

Sikar, Rajasthan The article has rightly observed that “discipline, not destruction, building up, not bludgeoning, is germane to education.” The cantankerous behaviour of some students in colleges is often the offshoot of indiscipline in the schools in which they studied, and uncaring families. Discipline and concern for others should be instilled in the minds of children at the school level. This will go a long way in eradicating the ragging menace.

S. Ramakrishnasayee,

Ranipet

The plea to keep the police off college campuses sounds idealistic. But keeping the police off may dilute fear in the minds of students. Another moot question is: how well is the teaching community equipped and motivated in educating and disciplining students?

C. Selvamani,

Bangalore

The affected student did not complain for obvious reasons. The suo motu action against the seniors, in this case, is welcome. But in how many colleges do the heads of institutions initiate suo motu disciplinary action against those who indulge in ragging?

R. Murali Kumar,

Srirangam

The argument that a correctional and reformist approach to ragging is preferable to a heavy-handed policy is not acceptable under the prevailing circumstances. The obnoxious practice continues unchecked in the hostels of professional colleges despite the stern measures proposed by the Raghavan Committee. Instead of attempting to classify the acts of ragging as “soft” and “hard,” we should implement the guidelines of the committee in letter and spirit.

V.N. Mukundarajan,

Thiruvananthapuram

I can very well understand why the first-year student consented to literally set his hand on fire. The climate of fear and oppression that surrounds the first few months of a fresher’s life is appalling and can have serious psychological repercussions. There is no such thing as mild or positive ragging. We have allowed the scourge to carry on for quite some time. It should be put down with an iron hand.

Arvind Narayan,

Mauritius

Mr. Thampu argues that the first-year student went to the room of the senior and participated in the ‘magic’ voluntarily. The student went to get a form filled, not to participate in the magic programme. He argues that the incident was not pre-meditated. Those who indulge in ragging do not plan in advance. On most of the occasions, things go out of control.

The argument that the initiative came from the victim is untenable. Did he go to the senior’s room to test burning deodorant on his palm? And the contention that a degree student must know burns hurt is most shocking. If a first-year student should know something, his seniors should know it better.

K.J. Jacob,

Kochi

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