Ragging in degree and professional colleges and also universities is in vogue for decades. Ragging is not unique to India but is globally prevalent and in the USA it is called ‘hazing.’ It can be physical, mental, verbal and have other forms. It is considered to be a ceremonial breaking-in or an ice-breaker between seniors and freshers but sometimes serious ragging results in bad consequences. It is a myth that after ragging there could develop comradeship between the students but this may be a fallacy since not all students will have physical, mental or psychological capacity to withstand ragging. Some may become vengeful toward their tormentors. There are incidents of death caused due to ragging and suicide by the victims due to shame.
It was shocking to read about the incident of ragging in the Goa Medical College and Hospital wherein a Goan student was allegedly assaulted in the hostel by four senior students who got away with rustication for three months from the hostel but not from the college. Obviously, the four students will find better accommodation elsewhere and life will go on. Assaulting is not ragging but a criminal act and luckily for the accused students, their victim did not file a police case. The UGC could frame a rule wherein in the passing out or conduct certificate there would mention if a student has been caught and/or punished for ragging during the course of his/her studies. This black mark could deter those likely to indulge in the activity.
