Who’s afraid of ragging? Not freshers of DU

Ragging may have been banned in most colleges in the country, but newcomers at the Delhi University seem to be all for friendly interactions with seniors.

Ragging may have been banned in most colleges in the country, but newcomers at the Delhi University seem to be all for friendly interactions with seniors.

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“We look forward to at least some friendly interaction. Without it we’ll never get to know our seniors or seek their help for joining communities, procuring notes and other advice” said Nikhil Sharma, a fresher of Kirori Mal College. Most college debutantes share Sharma’s feelings about the popular interactions.

Ever since the government-ordered ban has been put in place, even the friendliest form of interaction between seniors and freshers has died down.

Not all seniors are deterred by the ban, though. “I won’t leave anyone,” said Gaurav, a student of History Honours at SGTB Khalsa, who goes by his first name. “I know where to draw the line and the intention is to have fun and not hurt anyone, so why be scared?”

Isn’t he worried someone might complain? “No. We just have small activities such as singing the national anthem or reciting a poem. We don’t force anyone either.”

Ragging, say seniors, is also a good way to assess the new crowd and see which of the students are suited for particular college activities such as music, theatre or debating.

Another misconception is that new students from small towns, who aren’t accustomed to city life and aren’t that outspoken, may find ragging particularly harsh and demoralising. Vandana Misra, a Miranda House entrant from Jhansi, who chose the all-girls’ college to feel more comfortable, rubbishes these claims.