Are you facing ragging? Here are 5 ways to deal with it

Do not get provoked, though ragging comes from a disruptive and negative space. No battle can be won without the other side participating. Reach out to a counsellor, says Dr Shaunak Ajinkya, Consultant, Psychiatrist, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital Mumbai

You may find bullies in your college but know that you will encounter them at every stage of your life. (Source: Freepik)

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Ragging, the practice of initiating newcomers into a group, elicits a range of perspectives. Some view it as a tradition fostering camaraderie, arguing it builds friendships and a sense of belonging among students. In their eyes, light-hearted initiation activities break the ice and create lasting memories. Conversely, others emphasize the potential harm, pointing out cases of extreme ragging causing severe emotional trauma and psychological distress. They stress that such practices perpetuate a culture of bullying and go against principles of respect. This is a story about Alok (name changed), a 19-year-old student from rural India who newly joined the first-year degree course at an educational institution known for its academic excellence and vibrant campus life.

Alok was ambitious but introverted due to his socio-economic and family background. He was anxious about adjusting to an urban environment and making new friends. He had always been a diligent student, and this was his chance to prove himself in a prestigious institution. He had heard stories about ragging, the practice of seniors welcoming newcomers through light-hearted “initiation” activities. While he was apprehensive, he hoped to make friends and embrace the college hostel experience.

THE ORDEAL THAT BROKE HIM

One evening, as Alok was returning to his room late in the night after a study session in the library, his classmate told him that a group of seniors had left a message instructing him and some of the junior students to meet on the terrace of the building at the stroke of midnight. Alok decided to go, feeling a mix of curiosity and apprehension. As the clock struck midnight, Alok cautiously entered the terrace. To his surprise, he found a group of senior students along with a small group of his classmates waiting for him. The seniors had their faces hidden with masks, but an eerie silence hung in the air. One of them broke the silence, instructing Alok and his first-year colleagues to participate in a series of bizarre tasks. These tasks escalated quickly from eating spicy concoctions to reciting embarrassing confessions about themselves in the buff. Terrified and overwhelmed, Alok complied with the increasingly humiliating tasks, feeling trapped in the situation. The seniors’ laughter echoed throughout the night as they watched Alok’s discomfort grow. The ordeal continued for hours, and Alok’s physical and emotional well-being deteriorated.

Days turned into weeks as the ragging sessions continued relentlessly, leaving Alok emotionally broken. His academic performance plummeted, and he started skipping classes to avoid encountering his seniors. He began experiencing severe anxiety, depression, and even contemplated suicide, as he felt he was unable to confide with anyone due to fear of retaliation and also the anxiety of burdening his parents.

WHY SEEKING ON-CAMPUS COUNSELLING HELPS?

One day, while wandering aimlessly, Alok came across a pamphlet about counselling services which were offered on-campus. Desperate for help but scared of being judged if anybody came to know, he finally decided to meet the counsellor. During the session, Alok hesitantly recounted the extreme ragging sessions which he had endured.

The counsellor, alarmed by the severity of the situation, immediately escalated the matter to the university administration. An investigation was launched, and the seniors responsible for the extreme ragging were identified and promptly suspended pending further action.

THE IMMEDIATE THERAPY

Alok was referred by the counsellor for further psychiatric assessment and treatment to address the severe trauma that he had endured. After psychiatric evaluation and assessment, he was diagnosed with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Treatment involved a combination of psychotherapy and anti-depressant anxiolytic medications. Weekly sessions of CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and trauma-focussed medical hypnotherapy helped Alok process the traumatic events. In time, with the support of therapy, friends, and the university community, Alok managed to heal and returned to his studies regaining his academic brilliance. The incident also served as a wake-up call for the institution to ensure the safety and well-being of its students, emphasizing the importance of fostering a positive and respectful campus environment.

SOME MIND CONTROL TO DEAL WITH BULLIES

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You may find bullies in your college but know that you will encounter them at every stage of your life. So, understand the mind game, the bully is trying to scare the debutantes and is establishing a dominance over them. Deny them that pleasure by not showing any emotions of fear or vulnerability. Deny them the pleasure of conquest by remaining unfazed appearance wise, deny them the outcome they want, and your persistent deaf ear will leave them with no option but to back off. Do not get provoked, though ragging comes from a disruptive and negative space. No battle can be won without the other side participating. Here are some guardrails:

1. It’s important to maintain your composure and stay calm. Remember that ragging is about power, and showing fear or distress might encourage the perpetrators further. If you decide to address the issue with them, do so in a calm respectful manner. Firmly communicate that you do not appreciate their behaviour and that you expect
to be treated with respect.

2. Maintain a strong support network of friends, family members, or peers who can provide emotional support. If you feel threatened or uncomfortable, seek their safety and support. Reach out to your trusted friend, family member, or staff member who can provide assistance. Also, keep a record of any incidents of ragging that you experience or may witness. Documentation is crucial if you decide to report the incidents.

3. Engage in activities that help you relax and cope with stress. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises, yoga, and meditation help. Do NOT seek the support of addictive substances to relieve stress. Eat healthy and do not compromise on regular sleep. Prioritize first your mental and emotional well-being. If you’re still feeling stressed, anxious, or emotionally impacted by the ragging, do seek counselling services. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Many educational institutions provide these services to help students deal with emotional challenges.

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4. If the ragging persists or escalates, report it to the relevant authorities within your institution. Many institutions have mechanisms in place to handle such situations confidentially. Don’t hesitate to report the incident to the appropriate authorities. Familiarise yourself with the anti-ragging policies and guidelines of your institution. Understand your rights as a student.

5. If the ragging becomes physically or mentally harmful, involving threats of violence, or if your institution is unresponsive, consider involving law enforcement agencies. Ragging is illegal in India, and the police can help intervene to ensure your safety.

Educational institutions must make students aware about the consequences of their actions, moving towards more positive orientation programmes that promote inclusivity and well-being. Educational institutions also have the responsibility of preventing harmful ragging. This requires clear anti-ragging policies, availability of counselling services for victims, and strict disciplinary measures on the perpetrators in case of any excesses.