ANTI-RAGGING@MDIM

Dear Students,

The new batch (PGDM 2023-25) students have already admitted the institute a few days back. It is mandated by law that we maintain a harmonious environment for them, so that they feel welcome and safe. Please note that MDI Murshidabad has a Zero Tolerance policy towards ragging.

• There exists an Anti-Ragging committee
• In addition, there is also Anti-Ragging Squad
• There exists a Student Counselling Committee
• UGC regulation to curb ragging is available on MDIM portal
• AICTE regulation to curb ragging in higher educational institutions is available on MDIM portal

To Second Year Students (PGDM 2022-24):

• You are requested to make the first year students feel welcome to the MDI system.
• You are strictly advised not to engage in any activity with a first year student that he/she is uncomfortable with.
• Please do not be a mute witness to any incident that makes a first year student feel uncomfortable or any activity that forces a first year student to do/say things that he/she may not do under normal circumstances.
• Strict measures will be taken in case anyone is found involved in ragging.
• As a student of MDI Murshidabad, it is expected that you treat all individuals with dignity and respect.

To First Year Students (PGDM 2023-25):

• As your seniors are going to be your friends and guides, it is important and desirable that you get to know your seniors and interact with them. However, the interaction must happen in a mutually friendly and also in a mutually respectful manner.
• In case you do not like the manner of the interaction, please “be firm” in expressing your denial without any fear or hesitation. No one can force you to do anything against your wish.
• You are advised to report any activity which undermines/demeans you. No part of an interaction with a senior should be unacceptable to you.
• Seniors can encourage you to participate in various club and student activities. However, your participation in these activities is entirely voluntary. You cannot be forced to participate. If you are forced, report the matter.
• Do not feel that you are alone and helpless. You can always reach out to the Hostel Wardens/ Hostel Superintendents/Anti-Ragging Committee members/Anti-Ragging Squad members/ Student Counselling Committee members, at any time, if you are being ragged. The details of the complainants are kept completely confidential.
• Anybody can report an incident of Ragging. It does not have to be only the victim. If you notice any incidents of Ragging you must inform and it is your duty to do so.
• As a student of MDI Murshidabad, it is expected that you treat all individuals with dignity and respect.

Some points to remember about ragging

• Ragging is an act of aggression committed by an individual or a group of individuals over another individual or a group of individuals where the first group, by virtue of their being senior to the second group, somehow get the authority and audacity to commit the act and the second group, by virtue of their being new to the institution are automatic victims. Any interaction which is aggressive and asymmetric (not on equal footing) is ragging.
• Ragging is not harmless fun. In an institution like MDI Murshidabad students come from diverse social and cultural backgrounds, and what may be harmless fun for some may turn out to be serious indignity for some others. There are always a few cases where ragging (or interaction) is intolerable and the fresher suffers loss of self-esteem. Nation-wide there have been many ragging deaths and suicides. It is often the case that seniors, being young students themselves, do not realize where to draw the line and when to back off – the risk is simply not worth it.
• Ragging does not increase smartness or make a fresher bold. Quite to the contrary it forces an individual to accept subjugation and confirm; perhaps even rationalize it later (with the drinks and samosas at the end of the interaction period). This loss of individuality suppresses talent and reduces self-worth. In turn, the forced homogeneity precludes free flow of new ideas, creativity and the spirit of enquiry. Also, the attempt of the seniors to break the self-esteem of a newcomer and revel in their shame and fear engenders feelings of bitterness and revengefulness, which is often taken out on juniors next year.
• Ragging does not help bring people out of their shells and bring out their talents. Talent in human beings is varied and multi-faceted. Identifying and recognizing talent is difficult business and one person cannot unilaterally decide that another needs “bringing out”. It is also regressive to make some people feel that they are talent-less or that they lack social skills.
• The courses in MDI Murshidabad are designed so that for every credit registered for an average student requires to put in an hour of study/work. Denying the freshers, the time to put in this work often results in poor academic performance.
• MDI Murshidabad provides many opportunities for a newcomer to excel in both academics and extracurricular activities. Forcing a predetermined set of ideas onto a fresher diminishes his/her chances of self-discovery.
• It is a matter of shame that a “Google search” on “ragging” returns most of the top few items related to ragging in India. Ragging, in most other countries, has become a thing of the past, and this has in no way reduced the sense of belonging to their institutions.
• It is neither possible nor desirable that a high-handed discipline and punishments be used to stop ragging. If this social evil has to be eradicated it must happen through the understanding and efforts of the student body. Not only should they not rag others but should actually prevent ragging from happening. We make an earnest request to all students to play an active role in stopping ragging.

Looking forward to a harmonious environment for the students of MDI Murshidabad.

With best wishes,
Registrar
MDI Murshidabad

Anti-Ragging Posters:

• Click here to download the UGC Regulation on curbing the menace of ragging in higher educational institutions 2009
• Click here to download the AICTE Regulation on Anti-Ragging