Question

Ragging has raised its ugly head again. A recent incident at a prestigious school has shown that this evil has not yet come to an end. Write an article in 150 − 200 words on ' Ragging, an Evil'. You are Navtej/Navita.

• a practice from the British era
• original aim, respect for hierarchy
• enforcing traditions, discipline
• Prefect − a teacher substitute
• misuse of authority
• vulgar aspect
• fatalities
• solution

Answer 1

Ragging an Evil
By Navita

Ragging is an evil heirloom, left over from the British era when it was practised in English colleges and universities to teach the social hierarchy and instil important values since it was believed that the students were lacking in such knowledge due to their immaturity. Unfortunately, these practices gradually became prevalent in Indian educational institutions. The history of the best educational institutions in India is blackened with traumatic cases of brutal ragging, especially in engineering and medical colleges. Ragging was practised to enforce traditions and discipline freshers into respecting their seniors and the academic hierarchy at such institutions. In a school, a Prefect is considered to be a teacher substitute. However, that does not mean a he/she can misuses his/her authority and indulge in the abuse of power, which happened in a recent case at a prestigious school. Schools are centres of learning and wholesome development, but when power equations within the student body displays its vulgar aspect, it can lead to fatalities such as continued mental trauma or even death. The solution is to sensitise students and spread awareness to stop the harmful practice of ragging. In order to have able-bodied and healthy-minded future citizens of India, we need to eradicate such practices.