Why ragging is so prevalent in India.

India was shocked in 2012 by the news of a seventeen-year-old aeronautical engineering student’s, horrific death. The death itself is not what shocked the country, it is how a young, bright student, Ajmal PM was murdered by his college seniors brutally and set on fire. This incident took place in Bangalore where he was constantly ragged by his seniors who had failed and were retaking classes. Ajmal was killed when he went to the common bathroom and it was set on fire soon after by the four criminals.

In India, cases like these are not very rare due to ragging being swept under the carpet for years for the sake of the family’s reputation or legal steps being taken against the abuser and even educational institutions wanting to avoid a legal mess and take full responsibility. This inability to protect students in the past has created a fear of speaking up against abusers. This has led to its continuation and more students falling prey to these deadly crimes. 

Ragging should be seen as an inability to instill human empathy from the early stage and not just a phase that people should leave untreated and without consequences. Personal conduct standards among students, especially potential “bullies” should be distinguished.

Strict steps should be taken as soon as a case of ragging is reported and the consequences should be severe. The consequences and rules should scare people from doing such a thing in the future. It is the lack of action, consequences and repercussions that empower and encourage these bullies to continue.