The ragging incident at GMCH has sent shock waves amongst youngsters in Goa. They have not only condemned the incident but also lauded the action taken against the offenders, saying that this will send a strong message to the student community and deter them against repeating this act.
“Ragging is a heinous crime that not only
can cause physical injuries to the victim but also leave him or her mentally
scarred. Educational institutions are temples of knowledge where future
generations are moulded and shaped. Apart from imparting technical knowledge,
educational institutes should also strive towards building the character of
students. This cannot be achieved in an atmosphere where ragging takes place,”
said Hrishikesh Chanekar, student at Parvatibai Chowgule College, Margao.
“As such, I endorse the rustication of the
perpetrators of such an act. An example should be set to all students that
ragging or any other form of mental or physical abuse will not be tolerated in
educational institutions. Ultimately, our future will be shaped by the
youngsters of today and tomorrow. We need to produce not just well educated but
well-mannered students who can take our state and country to great heights,”
Chanekar said.
Amol Vani, student at St Xavier’s College,
Mapusa said that the issue at GMC isn’t a minor issue. “Such illegal acts
happening in a premier medical college in India is indeed disheartening. The rustication
of the accused students is indeed a right step and it should send out a clear
message that such activities will not be entertained,” he said.
According to Bhakti Dhupkar, student at
Sant Soiroba Government College, Virnoda ragging and bullying is the most
common anti-social behaviour amongst adolescents.
“To stop this, anti-bullying and anti-ragging committees should
be more vigilant in handling bullying in schools and colleges. This is
outrageous and not just for me, for every sensitive person. Students might lose
their confidence for their whole life. It is a very serious offence. I am
personally disturbed,” Dhupkar said.
Aniket Prabhu, a student of V M Salgaocar College of Law alleged
that ragging has always been a major issue amongst the students and in
colleges. Due to the fear of ragging many parents don’t allow their children to
stay in hostels.
“Most of the colleges have an anti-ragging cell but are
non-functional. The rules and regulations with strict punishments should be
strictly implemented. This incident and the decision by GMC will definitely
create an awareness amongst the students and college. It would be prudent to
have an app or a social media platform for connecting the students that would
facilitate immediate complaint and action against ragging,” Prabhu said.
Mitanshu Kawlekar, founder of Maiche Kazar (Meme Page) and
student of GEC said that there can be no excuse for violent ragging: physical
or mental abuse.
“There is also a very fine line between teasing and harassing. a
sensitive student may be hugely traumatised by this, while others may not.
Institutions have been trying to stop it but I’m really not sure if it can be
stopped, premiere institutions or not. Plus, the perpetrators are mostly from
privileged families rather than the victims. Caste, status, income play a major
role,” Kawlekar said.
“In today’s time, we are surrounded with numerous inhumane acts
and as we say ‘the new generation is the future’, we are responsible for being
the change, promoting and influencing humanity. Ragging is not given much
attention or priority but it’s high time we consider it as an issue and take
necessary actions accordingly. Letting go would just encourage such acts,” said
Princy Fadte, student at St. Xavier’s College Mapusa.
“It must have been gravely traumatising to the people who are
studying there. As a student myself, I think such behaviour is condemnable.
Also, initiatives should be taken to encourage students, faculty members to
report such incidents anonymously,” she said.
Swaathishri Mohan, also a student from St. Xavier’s College
Mapusa, said that it was quite surprising to still hear that such an incident
occurred in a prominent college in Goa.
Kishan Mangueshkar, a Civil Engineer was upset by the fact that
such an incident could occur in a premiere medical college and done by budding
doctors, who are supposed to save lives and not harm them.
“It was very disheartening to know about ragging happening at
prestigious institutions like GMCH and more specifically this was done by doctors
who are believed and expected to be more humane and compassionate towards all.
So definitely this somewhere would tarnish the image of GMC students and put a
question mark on the attitude of doctors who would be passing out from here,”
Mangueshkar said.
“Of
course, such cases are rare and we can’t accuse the entire fraternity for the
foolishness of a few people. As such five per cent miscreants are bound to be
there in all fields, which we need to handle them tactfully. But seeing a
bigger picture, such cases must be addressed very seriously and all educational
institutions should show zero tolerance towards ragging,” he said.