ESCHEW RAGGING
From Sampath’s Desk:
Every time colleges reopen, new entrants fear the ragging. Despite
the extant anti-ragging laws, rules, advisories, etc. and the reported
availability of ‘anti-ragging’ mechanisms and squads, it is unfortunate that some
cases of ragging do continue to be reported of course not on a large scale.
Ragging is basically dampening the spirit, tearing down the morale
and creating a mental block in fresh college entrants. The mischievous act sags
the self-esteem and clogs the mind, will and enthusiasm of new college entrants. It
is an affront to the dignity and sanctity of fellow human-beings.
The savagery and impish act inflicts a slew of physiological and
psychological ill-effects on the victims, in some cases even affecting their academic career and future life. Ragging smacks
of moral and ethical atrophy. Such boorish acts inside and outside
college corridors by senior students on their junior peers are despicable
besides being punishable. Why do you make the relations between the colleagues strain
and turn acerbic? It smacks of foolhardiness, flippancy and impertinence.
The errant will stand doomed forever once he/she is found to be guilty and
punished.
The very word ‘ragging’ makes college entrants jittery and edgy. It
is an odious practice. A disgrace, it is a social bane and anathema! Albeit
laws and public opinion against the shockingly abominable, outlandishly
humiliating, outrageously eccentric and rank sadistic practice, it is
unfortunate that the prankish habit of some weirdos still continues having
already taken a toll of young students.
The reason funnily trotted out by miscreant and culprit students for indulging in
the loathsome activity is, “I was subjected to the disgraceful act earlier
while entering the college and hence I want to discredit my peers in the same
way” – a tit-for-tat – isn’t it? This is incongruous with civilized life and
nothing but a ludicrous argument since, after all everyone, whether entering
the college earlier or later, have to co-exist throughout the period of their
studies in the same college/university.
For the offender, it is a fun-shot, but, for the victim it is a
gunshot! It only reminds me of the well-known ‘wolf and lamb’ story where the
wolf having already decided to harm the lamb was only adducing one ruse/ploy or another concocting a false story to justify its preying on the lamb.
Remember, ragging is a cognizable offence – a blot on human behaviour
and insult to victim.
Even assuming that one was subjected to ragging earlier,
it doesn’t and can’t give him/her justification for following mischievous act and harass and harming junior colleagues. After all,
students, juniors or seniors, are supposed to work as a team in studies for a longer period (at least 3 years) and represent the college as a team when it
comes to competitions, workshops, seminars, symposiums, functions, etc.
A word to students who contemplate 'ragging' as a funny activity: Parents send you to colleges to study and acquit yourself well in studies and
not for teasing or making fun of others. All students have to perform well and
finally come out of the college corridors with flying colours making the
institution proud. The junior is not your enemy; he looks forward to seniors as
a guiding force and beckon-bearer for support in studies. Seniors are thus
leaders who have to live as role models to juniors. Why then to stoop to low-levels? We already have had many victims. Yes, let no more such incidents
happen at all hereafter. Shun and spurn ragging. Why to unclench the fist at a
wrong target? Turn a new leaf.
Ragging can’t brook tolerance much less moral scrutiny not to
speak of it being an illegal, unlawful and punishable offence. Let the breeze of
brotherhood, goodwill, mutual trust and peaceful co-existence waft through
inside and outside of college complexes. Let all students work together to
make every institution of learning a place of worship and safeguard its dignity
and sanctity.
Colleges, police authorities and the government should curb the nuisance
with iron hands and ensure that the menace doesn’t raise its ugly head anywhere and any
more.
R.SAMPATH
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