A shocking report has revealed that medical colleges in India are becoming hotspots for ragging, with 51 deaths reported between 2022 and 2024. The study, titled State of Ragging in India 2022-24, was released by the Society Against Violence in Education (SAVE). It highlights a growing crisis in our education system, especially in medical institutions.
Medical Colleges: The Most Affected
Although medical students make up only 1.1% of India’s total student population, they account for:
- 38.6% of all ragging complaints
- 35.4% of serious complaints
- 45.1% of ragging-related deaths
This means that medical colleges report 30 times more raging cases compared to other institutions.
This data only includes complaints made through the national anti-ragging helpline. Many more are reported directly to colleges or police, and countless others go completely unreported due to fear, stigma, or pressure from seniors.
Why Is Ragging Still Happening?
Ragging is often disguised as a “tradition” or a way to “break the ice” between juniors and seniors. However, it can quickly turn into harassment, humiliation, or physical and emotional abuse. In medical colleges, where the pressure to perform is already high, this can seriously affect a student’s mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, or even suicide.
The Human Cost of Silence
The report compares these 51 ragging deaths to the 57 student suicides reported in Kota, Rajasthan – a well-known coaching hub. This comparison shows how serious and deadly the issue has become.
What makes it worse is that many students suffer in silence. They fear retaliation, social isolation, or lack of support if they speak up. The report suggests that the anti-ragging helpline should allow anonymous complaints to protect students and encourage them to report incidents without fear.
What Can We Do as Medical Professionals?
As doctors and educators, we must understand that a healthy learning environment is essential for future healthcare professionals. If students are mentally and emotionally unsafe, how can they grow to become compassionate, confident doctors?
Here’s what we can do:
- Raise awareness about ragging and its dangers
- Support victims and ensure confidentiality
- Promote a culture of respect and empathy among students
- Take strict action against offenders
- Make sure every student knows how to report ragging safely
🚨 Let’s Say NO to Ragging – And YES to a Safe Learning Space
Ragging is not a rite of passage. It’s a serious issue that can destroy lives.
As members of the medical community, we must speak up, take action, and create safe, respectful, and inclusive educational spaces. Let’s protect our future doctors.
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