Ragging is a distressing phenomenon within the higher education system of our country. Often, many beginner level students are quite sensitive & hesitant to approach senior particularly in unfamiliar environments .To help them acclimate comfortably to these new surroundings, a light hearted introduction was initially started which was about involving simple questions like asking fresher’s their names ,hometown ,marks and etc. However this initiation process has taken a toxic turn evolving into a form of harassment. Some students simply lack the mental strength to endure such ragging.
The
reason is few seniors perceive harassing their juniors as a source of
amusement. It reveals their malevolent nature when they exploit others and gain
satisfaction from their distress. The agony of the victim becomes the delight
of the tormentor. The ragging encompasses various dimensions, including psychological, social, political,
economical,
cultural and academic aspects includes instances where senior students exploit the services of
juniors to complete academic tasks assigned to them or their group an
unfortunate practice, particularly prevalent in technical institutions. The economic dimension of
ragging involves any act of
financial extortion or the imposition of an undue financial burden on a junior
by a senior.
Each of these factors contributes to the complexity and impact of ragging,
influencing individuals and communities in different ways.
Victims
often refrain from informing their parents , professors, or even filing police
complaints, fearing potential repercussion from their seniors. Parents,
however, can often sense through their child’s behavior leading to concerns
about their child’s emotional or physical well-being.
THE GENRES OF RAGGING :
PHYSICAL ABUSE: This includes
forcing a student to eat , drink or smoke, or to dress or undress. It can also
include sexual abuse, homosexual assaults, stripping, and causing bodily harm.
VERBAL ABUSE : This includes
using swear words, derogatory references to a student’s appearance, attire,
religion , caste , family , or field of study.
FORCED ACTIVITY : this
includes forcing a student to do chores for seniors ,such as coping notes or
cleaning rooms.
PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE : This includes deriving pleasure
from seeing others discomfited ,or not preparing fresher’s for higher education
.It can also include acts that affect a student’s mental health and
self-confidence, such as isolating, intimidating, or making fun of someone’s
background, beliefs ,or insecurities.
CYBER RAGGING: Harassment through online, such as bullying on social media, sharing embarrassing photos, or sending threatening messages .
THE PROFOUND IMPACT ON STUDENT’S MENTAL
WELLBEING
:
Ragging
leaves a lasting psychological toll on students, affecting their mental well
being in significant ways . the trauma inflicted can alter their personality,
making them more prone to emotional struggles and academic difficulties.
Addressing these effects require strong support system and strict anti ragging
policies in the educational institutions .
IMMEDIATE REPERCUSSIONS :
1.Fear and Anxiety:
Ragging generates an atmosphere of dread, leaving students constantly anxious
about their personal safety and well-being.
2.
Psychological Trauma: The
physical or emotional abuse experienced can result in symptoms of
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
3. Erosion of Self-Esteem: Humiliation and mockery erode confidence, making students question their own worth and abilities.
4. Social Withdrawal: Victims often retreat from social interactions, feeling exposed and isolated.
LONG – TERM RAMIFICATIONS :
1. Depressive Disorders: Persistent ragging can lead to clinical depression, marked by deep sadness, hopelessness, and disinterest in life.
2. Anxiety Disorders: Ragging may give rise to chronic anxiety disorders, including panic attacks, social anxiety, and phobias.
3. Suicidal Ideation: In extreme cases, relentless ragging has driven students to contemplate or attempt suicide.
4. Altered Personality Traits: Repeated exposure to abuse can impact personality, leading to aggression, introversion, or submissiveness.
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND EMOTIONAL IMPACT :
1. Cognitive Distortions: Ragging can distort victims' thoughts, fostering negative self-talk, self-blame, and unrealistic beliefs.
2. Emotional regulation: Victims may struggle to manage their emotions, showing intense anger, irritability, or mood swings.
3. Attachment Difficulties: Traumatic experiences from ragging can disrupt attachment styles, making it hard for students to form and maintain healthy relationships.
4. Academic Decline: The mental strain of ragging often impairs focus and motivation, leading to reduced academic performance and productivity.
INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITY :
Educational institutions must recognize the severity of ragging’s impact on mental health. Preventing and addressing this issue requires a proactive approach:
1. Anti-Ragging Policies: Enforce clear policies and strict consequences for ragging.
2. Access to Counseling: Offer accessible counseling and mental health support for affected students.
3. Support Networks: Establish support groups for victims, providing a safe space to share experiences.
4. Awareness Campaigns: Organize workshops and seminars to educate students on the consequences of ragging.
REGAIN YOUR BALANCE :
The first crucial steps involve reaching out for support, whether it be from trusted friends, family, or a counselor. Reporting the incidents to institutional authorities or contacting anti-ragging helpline can also be empowering. Documenting each event with accurate details, such as dates and times, can help ensure that any follow-up is grounded in clear evidence.
In the short term, various strategies can help stabilize emotional well-being. Engaging in individual or group counseling can provide a safe space to process the trauma. Stress-management techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can offer relief, while joining support groups or online forums connects individuals with others who have shared similar experiences. Self-care also plays a vital role; taking time to pursue hobbies, exercise, or creative outlets can create moments of joy and relaxation.
Long-term healing often requires ongoing professional support. Consulting psychologists, psychiatrists, or therapists can help address complex emotional challenges. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is particularly effective in identifying and reframing negative thought patterns. Mindfulness practices, which emphasize self-compassion and awareness, can further support emotional resilience. Rebuilding self-esteem through a focus on personal strengths, achievements, and positive relationships is also essential for long-term recovery.
Several self-help techniques can aid the recovery journey. Journaling, for instance, is a valuable way to express and process emotions. Grounding techniques can help manage anxiety or flashbacks, while self-compassion practices encourage kindness toward oneself. Letting go of resentment through forgiveness can bring closure, although it doesn’t require forgetting the incidents themselves.
The support of family and friends can also be invaluable. By listening without judgment, encouraging professional help, and validating the victim’s experience, loved ones can create a supportive environment that bolsters recovery.
Above all, it’s essential to remember that those affected by ragging are not alone, and the harm they endured was not their fault. Recovery is possible, and seeking help is a strength.
TAMILNADU ANTI-RAGGING LAWS : PUNISHMENTS
AND FINES
Tamil
Nadu, a pioneer in combating ragging, has enacted stringent laws to ensure a
safe and healthy environment for students.
TAMIL
NADU PROHIBITION OF RAGGING ACT,1997
This
Act makes ragging a punishable offense, applicable to all educational
institutions.
1.
.ACCORDING
TO INDIAN GOVERNMENT: Any
disorderly conduct, whether by words spoken or written or by an act, which has
the effect of teasing, treating or handling with rudeness any student is
considered as ragging and who ever found guilty would be punished.
2.
PUNISHMENT
:
- Imprisonment up to 2 years
- Fine up to ₹5,000
- Expulsion from institution
- Withdrawal of scholarships/fellowships
PUNISHMENTS
FOR REPEATED OFFENSES
:
1.
Expulsion from institution
2.
Cancellation of degree/diploma
3.
Imprisonment up to 5 years
4. Fine up to ₹50,000
FINES AND
COMPENSIONS:
1.
Institutions failing to prevent ragging: Fine up to ₹1 Lakh
2.
Compensation to victims: Up to ₹50,000
TAMILNADU
GOVERNMENT ORDERS:
1.
*G.O. (Ms) No. 230*: Establishing anti-ragging committees and squads
2.
*G.O. (Ms) No. 231*: Providing counseling to victims
HELPLINE AND SUPPORT:
1.
Tamil Nadu Anti-Ragging Helpline: 1800-180-5522
2.
Email: helpline@antiragging.in
3.
Online complaint registration
RECENT
AMENDMENTS:
1. *Tamil Nadu Prohibition of
Ragging (Amendment) Act, 2017*: Increased punishment for ragging offenders
2. *Tamil Nadu Ragging Prohibition
(Amendment) Regulations, 2020*: Strengthened institutional responsibilities.
Tamil Nadu anti-ragging laws
demonstrate the state's commitment to ensuring students' safety and well-being.
Educational institutions must adhere to these regulations, and students should
report incidents without fear.
REFERENCES:
1. Tamil Nadu Prohibition of
Ragging Act, 1997
2. Tamil Nadu Ragging Prohibition
Regulations, 2006
3. Tamil Nadu Government Orders
(G.O. (Ms) No. 230, 231)
4. Tamil Nadu Anti-Ragging Helpline
5. Recent amendments (2017, 2020)
Stand
tall , don’t let ragging make you fall !!
Join
hands spend time ,don’t rage
It’s
a crime
Don’t
be a fool,
Ragging
is not cool .
Author Bios:
1. Dr.T.Vembu , Co-ordinator(S&H)/Associate professor
2. Mrs.T.Kanagapriya
, Assistant professor
3. Rayeesa
Iffath .A, I - year. Department of Information Technology
4. Akkshetha .M, I - year. Department of Information Technology
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