Zero Tolerance for Ragging Often, when I hear the word "ragging"- a picture of a raging human circus comes to my mind. From inoffensive “intro” to horrific sexual & mental harassment- ragging disguises all. What compels a junior to get "ragged"- I ask myself. Inevitably, after talking to a lot of youngsters I feel- it's the fear of being a loner for the rest of the college life that makes them give in. The juniors are afraid of being ‘social wrecks' and don't wish to play ‘spoilsports', with this intent end up being a party to the seniors' “amusement”. Believe me, the prospect of being away from the "in-crowd" is not bad at all. College is the time when one can really leverage ones abilities and be preoccupied productively. If you are going to step in college this year: Do not let others decide who is ‘in' or what is 'out'. The verdict is simple: RAGGING IS OUT. Ragging is behind the times, often brutal and a waste of time. Those who back the custom as harmless fun and "intro", here is a fact: Ragging does not necessarily initiate first friendships. It's just a matter of time and inevitably, the peer group gets acquainted in its due course. Just Remember: One need not say "yes" when one actually means a "NO!” From the transition to school to college, we often expect too much from college life and end up romanticizing it. It is believed; college life is synonymous with uninhibited freedom, girlfriends and a huge circle of " langotiya yaars "-thanks to Bollywood. When such a mindset prevails, no one wants to miss all the fun and at times let go of his or her veracity in form of tolerating ragging or otherwise. In a vicious circle, the next year the graduated batch rag their juniors and try not to miss out on what they themselves had to endure previously. They experience sadistic pleasure: It gives them a kick to see their juniors suffer. Unfortunately, secret plans of harrassment are still being planned in hostels and college canteens- even as you read this piece. If you have encountered ragging or heard about the numerous depressions and suicides it has caused-you know how unpleasant it is- just break the custom. Let yourself and your peers become secure in their new surroundings by ways other than ragging. Let us not hear of lives in disarray, ruined careers & shell-shocked parents. All simply because the victim made the mistake of looking forward to an exciting college life ahead and ended up being ragged. by Yavnika Khanna
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