Ragging: An evil practice plaguing Indian Medical School Ragging refers to an initiation ritual in higher education institutions in India. Ragging involves abuse, humiliation, or harassment of new entrants or junior students by the senior students. Ragging is a subset of bullying. Unlike various complex forms of bullying, ragging is easily recognisable.

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Why ragging ?

The ragging in Indian medical schools is due to many reasons, some of which are explained here.

Perpetuation of Tradition is one of the major cause of ragging. Seniors believe they must continue the tradition they themselves endured. Some institutes have long -standing culture of ragging. Some psychological factors such as revenge and catharsis are also a cause. Seniors may use ragging as a means to assert dominance and control over juniors. It reinforces a hierarchical structure, where seniors feel superior to juniors.

How is ragging carried out ?

Ragging can be carried out in many ways in Indian medical schools. often depending on the culture and norms of the institution. Some common methods have been described here.

Verbal abuse is the most common method of ragging in Indian medical colleges. Seniors insult their juniors with derogatory marks, mocking their appearance, accent or background.

Students are forced to perform physical activities such as exercise, dance, singing and many other disgusting acts against their wish. In extreme cases, in some institutes juniors are physically assaulted by their seniors, but these kind of incidences remains unexposed most of the time. This form of ragging falls under physical abuse.

Mental harassment is done Forcing juniors to undertake humiliating tasks, such as dressing inappropriately or performing degrading actions in public. Personal degradation is done of the junior students by different activities like stand on one leg for extended periods, crawl on the ground, or sing and dance in front of others. Seniors might conduct fake interviews, asking absurd or deeply personal questions meant to embarrass or belittle the junior. Juniors can be forced to wear ridiculous or mismatched clothing.

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Which year students suffer most ?

First-year students typically suffer the most from ragging in colleges, including medical colleges. Being new to the environment, they are often more vulnerable and less familiar with the institution's culture and support systems. But it is not a rule. Students from any year can be suffered. Even the ragging is prevalent in post graduation in the medical colleges where first year PG students are victim. Many times they are forced to work continuously for 24 hours or more as the punishment by their seniors.

What are the effects of ragging ?

Victims of ragging often experience severe psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The fear and humiliation can lead to long-lasting emotional scars. Victims of ragging often feel isolated and may withdraw from social interactions. This isolation can lead to a lack of support and increase feelings of loneliness and despair. Effect of ragging can even be more worsen like loss of self esteem and decreased academic performance.

What are the prevention measures ?

Various programs are being conducted by the government as well medical institutes itself. Some of them are awareness campaigns, mentorship programs, counselling services, anti ragging committees within the college can help monitor and address ragging incidents. These committees often include faculty members, senior students, and counselors.