Tradition vs. trauma: Hazing in universities worsen
Hazing, also known as ragging, is a common occurrence in state universities and is supposedly used to maintain seniority among the student body.
Initially, hazing was a way of eradicating the social hierarchies existing in society beyond the boundaries of the university; everybody got hazed, everyone was equal. However, today it has evolved into a display of power and has become a serious and often traumatizing experience for first- year students. Seniors will pressure or force freshmen into engaging in various acts on the threat that their lives at university will be miserable if they refuse to oblige.
Hazing could include anything from being asked to sing in public to being forced into the consumption of various substances and even physical and sexual harm.
Once hazing gets out of hand and causes emotional and/or physical harm to students, many of them are driven into committing acts of self- harm such as suicide or to leave the particular institute altogether. Around 20 students have committed suicide due to hazing.
According to the University Grants Commission, out of the registered university students 1989 have dropped out due to ragging incidents in 2017 and 2018.
Since the students who enter local universities are those who passed their Advanced Level examinations with flying colours and are the cream of the crop, every dropout is a huge loss to our nation.
This topic was brought to light recently because of an incident t h at took place at Sri Jayawardenapura University. On March 5th, 21- year- old Pasindu Hirushan from Kamaragoda, Minuwangoda was descending a flight of stairs around 1.30 a. m. after a “bucket party” when a group of senior students had sent a tractor tire down the stairs.
The tyre had hit Pasindu causing him to collapse on the ground and hit his head, causing severe damage. It is still unknown whether the seniors were under the influence of alcohol. As of now, Pasindu is paralyzed. According to medical professionals, even if he recovers, he will have many side effects including loss of memory.
The response on social media was fast and passionate. Among the many tweets, stories and posts calling for justice, the police and the Sri Jayawardenapura University administration have launched separate investigations to inquire into the incident.
Pasindu is only one of the many victims who suffer permanent consequences of ragging. But given that this issue has existed for many decades, aren’t effective preventive measures in place yet?
Under the Prohibition of Ragging and Other Forms of Violence i n Educat i o n a l Institutions Act No. 20 of 1998, ragging is a punishable offence by law. Moreover, the UGC has set up a 24- hour hotline ( 011- 2123700), a website ( https:// eugc. ac. lk/ rag/), an anti- ragging mobile app to report different forms of threat and harassment on campus grounds as well as a special office at the Commission that is open on all days from 8.30 a. m. to 4.00 p. m., excluding government holidays.
Despite the governments’ and universities’ best efforts, hazing still prevails, often carried out in remote locations around campus or even in private residences that are rented specifically for hazing.
Ragging cannot be conquered just by establishing a few laws; there is a dangerous age-old herd mentality that has to be changed to make a significant difference.
To do so, the government and higher authorities alone cannot take action. The youth must take a stand on enforcing morals within themselves to protect their peers from being succumbed to such injustice.
Once hazing gets out of hand and causes emotional and/or physical harm to students, many of them are driven into committing acts of self-harm such as suicide or to leave the particular institute altogether. Around 20 students have committed suicide due to hazing.