[Reader-list] Fellow ex-I-Fellow on ragging

[Shivam]

Dear esteemed readers of the (crumbling :) ) Sarai Reader List:

I thought I wouldn't do this, but it was too tempting to subject you
to another post on ragging.

I recently exchanged some emails with a fellow ex-I-Fellow, excerpts
from which she has allowed me to put on this list.

In a tea break during the I Fellows workshop, I had overheard someone
making fun of The Stop Ragging Campaign. Making fun of anything is
very easy, but understanding it may be a completely different ball
game.

Cheers
Shivam


o o o o o

Hi!

I read about your Stop Ragging Campaign through Sarai Reader List.

I recently joined a post graduate institute ***. I am filled with
anger and disgust that in a PG institute with the knowledge of the
Administration ragging took place.

As I never have stayed in a Hostel all though my life, it took me few
moments why we were asked to assemble on the terrace. As each of us
were being ragged, i was scared. Because there were no right answers
to their questions and the whole incident was very unpredictable. You
never know what would happen next.....I just broke down out of
confusion. it was really strange.

I must confess that there are many seniors who were against the whole
affair. They tried their best but they were far and few of them.

Next day, before ragging began I yelled at the seniors threatening
them with a FIR. Suddenly, after abuses hurled...everything cooled
down and i was told that this was a ice breaking session and that as i
girl i have to get strong to face the male dominated industry that i
will be working in....

After the ragging session was over, the very same seniors who were
involved in ragging turned out to be 'very nice people'. Everybody
behaves as if nothing as happened.

I just want to read a bit about the 'history' ragging...cud u please.
help me with books, websites or any info.

Thanking You,
with warm regards,
<name deleted>

o o o

Hi,

I'm glad you spoke up and threatened them with an FIR. At least you
knew that it is punishable. See www.stopragging.org.

The important this is for you to be able to bring about a change next year.

Best wishes and keep me updated,
Shivam

o o o

Hi!
Your website is exhaustive. Your dedication and work is reflected in
it.....I am going through it page by page......

thanks for everything.
Please do inform me if u need any help.

With warm regards,
<name deleted>

o o o o

Excerpt from another mail from her:

yes, the ragging has stopped in my institute. In fact my batch,
confronted the seniors within ten days of ragging. We told them
clearly that we will just not attend the ragging sessions. After that
the ragging did not take place. There was only uncomfortable silence.
we also had a freshers party.

Shivam, but i must confess that I still cannot forget those endless
nights. In all the little years of my teaching, I would categorically
tell students not to fear teachers. Fear is the worst kind of abuse.
Unless we do not make the means to education non violent, we really
cannot stop violence around us. I might sound idealistic but ceratinly
i do not deny facts. The fact of ragging.

o o o o o