Say No To Ragging

July/August is here and with it comes a semester at college. Fresh batches of students enthusiastically step into the Garden City College, with much excitement about their days ahead, including the interaction with their seniors.

In many campuses the “R” word is banned. Incidentally only the usage of the word is banned and not the activity. Call it interaction, call it peer meet or call it an ice breaker, ragging very must exists. It is true that Ragging is fun only when it’s within limits but those limits differ from person to person. While for a person with an open mind set from metropolitan cities breaking into a song and dance or proposing to a classmate in front of strangers can be fun (and can give a sense of thrill) while for those coming from more conservative backgrounds, it can be very disturbing.

 

I remember my first week after orientation in college. It was really scary to hear stories of ragging in the cities. But I soon found out that my fears were unfounded. Apart from asking me to introduce myself, wish them, salute them and make a creative gift, nobody bothered me. Though most hostilities were asked to introduce quite intensely, nothing serious happened. People who could sing, dance and entertain were in great demand, and for us fresher’s, it was not just amusing but also good that we could entertain our seniors.

 

Ragging can be a pleasure or pain, depending on the parties (pupil) and the methods involved. As far as possible it should be taken in the lighter vein. Seniors should know when to stop, back off and let go, for what might seem harmless to them can be mortifying to their juniors. They should also understand the difference between embarrassment and humiliation and should not force the fresher’s to do unnecessary things against their will.

 

Freshers should understand that their seniors are not out there to kill them and that they just want to get to know their juniors and at times ascertain their position as seniors. Thinking of the whole exercise as their elder brothers or sisters teasing them would make the process easier and even enjoyable.

 

With that said, if this interaction involves any form of abuse, physical, mental or sexual harassment, then it should be reported

We, Fresher’s must realise that, even if their group of friends or seniors laughed at what they said or did, it is not something to take your life for. Everybody does silly things one in a while and it is okay to goof up (or do mistakes).

And help should be sought. Maintaining silence about such incidents will not solve any problems.

 

For a fresher, setting your limits and yet keeping your mind open to new possibilities and experiences can remove the fear of ragging helping you to enjoy college life from its very beginning.