Ragging and its Psychological Impact
How do feel when you are starting something new- may be your college, school, career, workplace etc.? What makes you feel comfortable at that place?
I am sure, that would be a safe space where people are providing you with the supportive or healthy environment. A place where your colleagues/ co-workers/ seniors/ fellow-mates are providing a trustworthy atmosphere. What if they rag you every time? Would you like to go back to the same space? I am sure, the answer would be No.
Ragging is a demeaning and cruel activity where fellow-mates or senior students bully or harass new students, causing traumatic experiences. This concept is not something which is very new to modern era, but ragging has deep historical roots and remain prevalent in educational institutes worldwide. Ragging is manifested in various form such as psychological abuse, verbal abuse, physical abuse and even emotional abuse which creates a hostile environment for students. Film industry has even used ragging as a narrative device to make the public understand about the brutal practices that takes place at the educational institutions. Movie like 3 idiots- where ragging concept was shown in an impactful manner. The movie started with the character of Farhan Qureshi who has introduced about his college life with Raju Rastogi and Rancho. He was nervous and eager to start his college life. However, the seniors of Imperial College of Engineering had different plans and the juniors were subjected to ragging. On the first night of the college life, all the juniors were humiliated by their seniors to strip down their underwear. Rancho’s refusal to this act had set the strong message against ragging. The movie has set the grounds not only on the unethical practices running in India, but also on the supportive academic environment where students help each other to grow rather than tearing each other down.
Now, if we explore on the deep rooted psychological impact of ragging on students. It has been found that 10% of the students have reported experiencing long lasting impact of ragging on the emotional disturbances and 50% student have reported experiencing emotional distress temporarily. Further a study by BJ Medical College has reported that 68% of the medical students have found ragging to be a significant source of stress and anxiety. In addition to this, students may develop PTSD, anxiety, depression and may even end up losing their life due to ragging. There may be a possibilities that victim may become perpetrators and cycle of violence and abuse is repeated which leads to emotional distress and harm not only self but also to the community. When individual is not provided that safe environment in the organization than it leads to the increase in the dropout rates and decreased focus in academics. Continuous humiliation and negative criticism creates a hostile environment for the students to survive in the community and this in turn leads them to doubt their own potential and capabilities. This diminished self-worth and esteem creates a significant log lasting impact on their well-being both personally and professionally. The stress and emotional turmoil caused due to ragging also leads to exacerbating various mental health issues such as social withdrawal. Because of the constant humiliation and bullying, the victims are not able to trust the world around, and hence, leads to isolation and loneliness. In extreme cases, the psychological disturbances provoke the students to end up their life.
To regulate this toxic culture, The NorthCap University, Gurugram follows the Zero Tolerance Policy where we enforces mandatory reporting and stricter punishment is provided to the students or individuals to deter the ragging incidents. We have the entire committee 9 members of the Anti Ragging Committee. Our Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Madam, Prof. Dr. Nupur Prakash is the Chairperson of Anti ragging committee, and is available round the clock. Further, The NorthCap University has established “Student Service Center” to ensure that students are provided both mental health and physical health services to cope with their anxiety, depression and other mental health issues effectively. The university mentors, faculties and in-house psychologists provide a culture of transparency and open door policy where the students feel comfortable discussing about their personal to professional issues.
Call to Action: I, alone cannot bring difference to the community. Together, we all can create and re-create the possibilities so that we are able to provide a safe environment to all. We must stand together for each other and need to take proactive measures to provide a safe space to those who are affected. We must protect the students from unhealthy consequences of ragging and create a supportive and inclusive community for them which is free from all the biasis.
Dr Samiksha Jain
Assistant Professor
Department of Psychology
The NorthCap University
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-samiksha-jain/
Areas: Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Positive Psychology, Social Psychology, Therapeutic Approaches










