Ragging originated in some European universities where seniors played practical jokes at the time of welcoming freshmen. Gradually, it spread to other parts of the world. Today, almost all countries have enacted strict laws that ban ragging and it has been eliminated in many countries. Sadly, our colleges are not yet free from the inhuman practice.
Ch. Durga Prasad,Srikakulam
One enjoys and the other suffers — that is perhaps the way to describe ragging. Some students who cannot tolerate acts of ragging commit suicide. Many others become depressed and frustrated for life. Those who indulge in ragging look for temporary pleasure but end up destroying many lives. Students alone can put an end to it.
B.S.R. Ambika,Shimoga
In the earlier days, ragging was done to develop camaraderie and remove inhibitions and fear from the minds of juniors. Slowly, the benign form became malignant defeating the purpose of ragging. Even today, students from the rural areas have a lingering fear when they go to cities for higher studies. To dispel such fears, colleges should prominently display a banner saying their campus is free from ragging.
R. Krishnamachary,Chennai
Ragging is about sadism, not aptitude. It drives many students to suicide. Anti-ragging steps should be strictly enforced. Parents and teachers are equally responsible for eliminating the virus.
A. Maria Albin Raja,Thiruvananthapuram
Ragging is largely confined to boys in professional colleges. It is usually resorted to by a group on an individual — rarely on two or three students. The practice is mostly absent among girl students. While schools are free from ragging, it is widely prevalent in colleges and universities. The presence of plainclothesmen on campuses can help prevent it.
G. Azeemoddin,Anantapur
Ragging is a social evil. It is an expression of sadism and the argument that it aims at social bonding is unacceptable. All colleges affiliated to the University of Madras have set up ragging redress committees. The committee is chaired by the principal and has student members and faculty members to address the concerns of outstation students, SC/ST students and women students. Colleges have been instructed to instal a black box for student complaints. The telephone numbers of the university registrar and the nearest police station are prominently displayed.
C. Anupama,Chennai
