Garfield, Snoopy: New anti-ragging rage

On the second day of the new academic session, Miranda House (MH) took Delhi University’s (DU) campaign against ragging to the next level. One of the first colleges in the varsity to respond to anti-ragging campaign, meet Miranda’s newest recruits in its mission to discourage ragging — Garfield, Snoopy and a host of animated characters.

On the second day of the new academic session, Miranda House (MH) took Delhi University’s (DU) campaign against ragging to the next level. One of the first colleges in the varsity to respond to anti-ragging campaign, meet Miranda’s newest recruits in its mission to discourage ragging — Garfield, Snoopy and a host of animated characters.

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With messages such as “Don’t let the temptation get to you”, “Don’t be a source of distress”, “Keep a check on yourself” and “Make fresh friends, say no to ragging,” the cartoons appeal to seniors to welcome their juniors instead of traumatising them.

The college has designed and produced a set of 28 cartoons as its contribution towards DU’s anti-ragging campaign, in addition to an anti-ragging booklet.

“Both the booklet and posters have engaging graphics and cryptic language – which the young enjoy. This is our special contribution towards the Anti Ragging Campaign,” said Dr Pratibha Jolly, Principal, MH.

“The aim is to sensitise students by appealing to their lighter side instead of issuing harsh instructions,” said Dr Reema Bhatia, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, MH.

“It’s all about overcoming embarrassment in front of strangers. It teaches you how to carry yourself in unknown situations and prepares you for the real world,” said Lohit Sharma, a second year student of Ramjas College.

Agreed Atul Mathur, a first year student at SGTB Khalsa College, “I guess by taking it sportingly, one can build lifelong friendships.”

It is this very perspective that the animated posters aim to challenge. “In addition to comforting freshers, we want to drive home that ragging is not the only means of interaction,” said Dr Bhatia, who has designed some of the posters.

“The beginning of the academic year is when we celebrate the arrival of the fresh batch of students and the success in exams of the seniors. Why welcome juniors with ragging when we can do it with love,” said Dr Jolly.

Agreed Dr Bhatia, “The juniors can celebrate the success of their seniors and get to know each other in the process.”