The Dehumanizing Experience of Ragging: A Personal Reflection

Ragging, or bullying, is a deeply troubling and dehumanizing experience that many students face during their formative years. It can have a long-lasting impact on an individual's life, affecting their studies, personal relationships, and overall well-being. In this personal reflection, I will recount two of the most traumatic instances of ragging that affected me during my teenage years.

Ragging in Tenth Grade School in 2019

My tenth-grade year in December 2019 was marked by a particularly vicious incident of ragging. It was a Tuesday in the morning during the games period, and the entire class was drenched in sweat despite the cold winter weather. Following the games, we all gathered in the classroom to freshen up. Suddenly, six to seven students enveloped me with a school jacket and locked the zipper, trapping me in complete darkness. The suffocating experience was overwhelming, and I struggled to free myself. Eventually, I managed to release the jacket, and it fell to the floor. When I refused to pick it up, the bullies escalated their behavior, beating me and snatching my school bag before throwing it onto a nearby bench. Fortunately, a classmate intervened and returned my bag to me, but I was left feeling extremely weak and dizzy.

After the ordeal, I was taken to the school's pool car, where the driver noticed my distress and advised me to sit by the window and drink some water. My mother was informed, and she wrote a formal complaint. The incident was grave enough for me to be on the verge of death, and I formally lodged a complaint to the class teacher on the 13th of December. The perpetrators were suspended from school for 15 days. The incident left me traumatized, and I often avoided crowded areas due to the lingering psychological effects.

Ragging in Tenth Grade in 2017

Fast forward to 2017, when I was in my tenth grade, my dreams were lofty and ambitious, aspiring to become an actor or model to gain fame. However, a group of students, known to me as the class's goons, decided to exploit my aspirations. One day, while I was sitting on the bench, these seven individuals surrounded me, their intent clearly marked by disdain and a desire to demean me. They began by calling me various offensive names and making crude sexual remarks, some of which involved animal porn. Despite my refusal, they persisted, claiming that their behaviors were justified due to my skinny and cowardly appearance. They demanded to see my private parts as a test of my masculinity. When I refused, they tore my pants to humiliate me.

The trauma of this incident was profound, and I sought help from my mother. She contacted the school, and my days at that school were numbered. This was the worst instance of ragging I have ever experienced, and it had a lasting impact on my personal and social life.

Impact of Ragging on Youth

The impact of ragging on the well-being and development of young individuals is severe and multifaceted. It can lead to emotional distress, mental health issues, and long-term psychological trauma. Academic performance may suffer, and individuals might feel isolated and unwilling to participate in social activities, leading to a decline in social skills and self-esteem.

To combat this issue, it is crucial to implement effective anti-bullying measures in educational institutions. Schools should provide counseling services, create safe spaces for students to report incidents, and ensure that teachers and staff are trained to recognize and address ragging behavior. Public awareness campaigns can also play a vital role in changing societal attitudes and promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity.

Legislation and policies aimed at preventing and penalizing ragging should be strictly enforced. Parents, educators, and society as a whole must work together to ensure that every student can thrive in a safe and supportive environment, free from the debilitating effects of ragging.

These personal stories serve as a stark reminder of the need for a proactive approach to combating ragging and its pervasive impact on young lives. It is imperative that we take collective action to ensure that such dehumanizing experiences are eradicated from our society.