Worst College Ragging Experience: A Deep Dive into Harsh Memories

Introduction to BTech Ragging: Prevalence and Impact

Back in my BTech days, ragging was an unfortunately prevalent phenomenon at my college. It was a social ritual deeply ingrained in campus culture, although the intentions behind it often seemed misguided. Many students faced different forms of ragging, each a unique blend of both humiliating and dehumanizing experiences. Among these, one incident stands out as my worst ever. This article delves deep into what happened and how it has shaped my perspective on such practices.

A Disturbing Experience that Lingers

The incident occurred early during my first year when we were still adjusting to the new environment and weren't fully prepared. It happened one particular day when a senior student came into our shared dormitory room. The freshmen among us were required to bow down to greet seniors as a sign of respect, a compulsory act that needed to be adhered to. I, too, complied out of respect and followed this tradition.

After a brief exchange in Shuddh Hindi, which was mandatory for respecting our seniors, the senior asked my roommate to lie down on the bed. However, he had a different reason for the room inspection. He instructed me to completely strip him while he recorded it. Although this is a common occurrence in many dormitories, the fact that he wanted to record it and distribute it among other seniors was unbearable. I felt a sense of relief that I didn't have to do the same, but when he asked me to remove his t-shirt by mouth, my initial compliance turned into complete silence. The senior then slapped me hard, forcing me to comply with his request. This was a genuinely disgusting and weird experience. I had to go beyond stripping and remove his underwear, with his private part touching my face, an act that I will never forget.

The Harsh Reality of Dormitory Life

Getting fully naked in a hostel setting was immensely common during those times, but the most embarrassing and disgusting part was being told to sleep naked, only covered by a single blanket with another person. Just imagine the anxiety and discomfort when your roommates are cuddle buddies. Furthermore, we were instructed to save five random numbers and send them photos in a fully stripped position via WhatsApp and wait for a reply. If someone responded, we had to engage in more of such activities, which was a form of humiliation and exploitation. The idea of doing a full body video call while naked was equally disturbing, and the fact that no one would answer was terrifying.

These experiences often highlighted the harsh realities of ragging, not just physical but also psychological. They created a culture of abuse and dependency, where students feel pressured to perform degrading acts in order to fit in or avoid further consequences.

The Horrifying Incident as a Student

One particularly horrific instance of ragging happened during my 9th grade, when ragging was at its peak. I was on my way to the bathroom when I heard my batchmate crying intensively. Upon closer inspection, I discovered the seniors were tormenting him. They were forcing him to defecate, while my batchmate had to perform push-ups on his waste. The screams and the scene still haunt me, a vivid reminder of how ragging can spiral into inhumane behaviors.

Conclusion and Reflections

While many colleges and educational institutions are now working towards eliminating such practices, it's crucial to acknowledge the long-lasting impact these experiences can have on individuals. Ragging not only demeans the dignity and respect of students but also fosters a toxic environment that can lead to physical and mental health issues. Reflecting on these experiences helps us understand the importance of promoting a more inclusive and respectful campus culture where every student feels safe and valued.