Abhishek was excited about finally going to college. He had waited for this day for so long. However, a few days before his college life was to begin, he became apprehensive. How will the first day be? How will his seniors treat him? Will he be bullied and humiliated? To put it simply, Abhishek feared that he would be subjected to ragging by his seniors.
However, he was in for a pleasant surprise when he finally put behind negative thoughts and stepped inside his college campus. He was greeted by a group of seniors who welcomed him with a yellow rose. That, however, did not get rid of Abhishek’s apprehensions completely as a few other freshers said that the first day is always good but it’s only a matter of time before the seniors would start ragging. A few days passed, but Abhishek was not subjected to ragging. Gradually, he realised that ragging is rare in colleges these days and comfortably settled down.
There was a time when every student feared being a victim of ragging in colleges, including technical institutions, more so if they were staying in hostels. However, in the last few years, educational institutes and authorities have taken tough measures to curb ragging. This has made life easier for freshers. With the new college session having begun a couple of weeks back, Sunday POST spoke to a few youngsters and psychologists to find out if life sans ragging in colleges is making students more relaxed and helping them focus on academics.
Swarnamudra Mishra, a psychologist, says, “College marks the beginning of a new phase in life. So, apprehensions are natural, as you don’t know what’s in store. You feel excited about starting a new journey but also fear the challenges that are going to come your way. Ragging has been a serious issue for years and there have been some very untoward incidents wherein many students even succumbed to the pressure by committing suicide. However, things have changed in the last few years and the environment is much friendlier now, which is a good sign.”
Sandip Tripathy, a Bhubaneswar-based IT professional, says, “At some stage, we all become victims of ragging. Ragging in the past saw many brilliant students giving up studies and going back home. So much so that there have been incidents of some losing their mental balance. However, the scenario has changed for the good. Seniors too have realised that by ragging not only do they harm their juniors but also themselves. Today they are co-operating with their juniors and even helping them in adjusting to the new environment.”
“Whether you are doing a professional course or are in a non-technical institution, ragging creates a tense environment in the campus. Today, most students, particularly seniors, have realised that ragging can also spoil their career because the administration can take extreme steps against them. It’s good that seniors are trying to be friends with newcomers and are also helping them in academics,” says Swarnamudra.
Suprava Mohanty, a first-year student at a private engineering college in Bhubaneswar, is relieved that she didn’t have to face ragging. “Ragging has been less over the last few years but even then, there were negative thoughts in my mind just before my session was about to begin. However, I was relieved to come across seniors in my college hostel who became friends on the very first day. They also helped me in completing my first assignment in class. I still remember the day when I had high fever and my seniors along with my classmates nursed me back to health. Till a few years ago, this was unthinkable for a student who was a fresher. However, you will always find a few bullies, but they too do everything within limits. At times, mild ragging is fun so long as we know where to draw a line.”
Pratichee Parida, first year student at a city-based engineering college, says, “Freshers need to understand the difference between mild ragging and bullying. During the initial days, seniors used to call us randomly and ask us to introduce ourselves. They would then ask us to sing or put up some funny act. Some of us would feel uncomfortable, while a few would consider it as ragging. These things are not ragging but help you adjust to the new environment.”
A senior course co-ordinator from a government college says, “Ragging can be a persistent problem as the tendency to rag passes on from a senior to a junior. However, it is good that things have changed after both students and the administration realised that ragging can ruin not only careers but the lives of so many students. Not only in colleges but also in technical and medical institutions where there are hostel facilities, ragging was rampant till a few years ago. It’s good that the new generation is growing up in a more disciplined environment.”
He also suggested a few tips for students who are joining professional courses.
Don’t be afraid to raise your voice against ragging
Don’t have negative preconceptions before joining a college
Move around with your friends because seniors mostly rag a person who feels alone
Seek help from college authorities for any difficult situation
Talk to your parents about whatever is happening with you in college
Take the help of police if an extreme situation arises
SOYONG, OP