Five third-year students have been arrested for allegedly ragging first-year students at the Government Nursing Collage in Kerala’s Kottayam. The police reported that dumbbells and compasses were used to harm the juniors. A chilling video surfaced showing limbs tied and compass pricks as part of the brutal ragging. The incident has raised questions about the effectiveness of anti-ragging measures in colleges. Meanwhile,another case of ragging was reported in Thalassery,where a student was ambushed and thrashed,leading to his hospitalization. The Opposition alleged links between the accused and the ruling Left party’s student wing, Students Federation of India.
EScalation in College Ragging Incidents in Kerala: An Interview with an Expert
Recent incidents of ragging at Government Nursing College in Kottayam and Thalassery have sparked national debate. Five third-year students have been arrested for alleged brutal ragging involving dumbbells and compasses in Kottayam. Meanwhile, a student was ambushed and hospitalized in Thalassery. This interview explores the underlying factors and the effectiveness of existing anti-ragging measures.
Arrestees and Allegations in Kottayam
Editor: Can you start by giving us an overview of the recent arrest in Kottayam?
Dr. Meena Kumar: Certainly.Five third-year students at Government Nursing College were arrested afterpolice reports emerged which alleged the use of dumbbells and compasses to harm first-year students.This included a disturbing video that surfaced showing limbs tied and compasses pricked. This is a severe breach of trust, especially in a medical education institution where students are expected to follow higher standards of conduct.
Methods and Frequency of Ragging
Editor: What is your take on the methods used? Could this be indicative of a wider problem in education institutions?
Dr. Meena Kumar: Thes methods are quite shocking and highlight the severity of the issue. Using everyday objects like dumbbells and compasses to cause harm indicates a lack of empathy and a twisted idea of induction rituals. Such incidents aren’t isolated; they reflect a deep-rooted problem within the institutional culture. Ragging has been condemned repeatedly, yet it persists, often underreported.
The Role of anti-Ragging measures
Editor: How effective do you think current anti-ragging measures in colleges are?
Dr. Meena Kumar: measures have had limited impact.colleges have anti-ragging committees, yet cases continue to surface.The enforcement is often lacking. Colleges might have burnout in reporting incidents in fear of affecting institution’s reputation. It calls for stricter monitoring and formation of a zero-tolerance policy.
Opposition Allegations and Institutional links
Editor: There have been allegations involving student wings of political parties. How might this affect the situation?
Dr. Meena Kumar: Allegations Linking the accused to the ruling Left party’s student wing, Students Federation of India, reflects a systemic issue. If true, it destroys the integrity of anti-ragging efforts. It indicates a need for autonomous regulation and oversight to maintain accountability.
Preventive Measures and Institutional Obligation
editor: What steps could be taken to prevent such incidents?
Dr. Meena kumar: A extensive approach is needed. Sensitization programs on student rights and the consequences can help. Establishing anonymous reporting channels can encourage victims to come forward. Faculty and administration must be trained to handle such incidents. Foster an environment where senior students mentor freshers in constructive ways.
Long-term Solutions and Conclusion
Editor: what are your thoughts on long-term solutions?
Dr. Meena Kumar: Long-term solutions involve a cultural shift.Creating a trauma-informed campus environment is crucial. Encouraging peer support and forming student-led societies focused on filtering senior-fresh interactions. Building an ecosystem where respect and cooperation prevail.
Editor: Thank you for your enlightening viewpoint, Dr. Meena Kumar.
Dr.Meena kumar: Thank you for having me.