Ragging remains one of the most pernicious social evils affecting educational institutions in the country. What was once justified as a means of informal communication between senior and junior students has now, in many cases, taken the form of brutal and uncivilized psychological and physical harassment. Such conduct undermines a person’s dignity, creates an atmosphere of fear and insecurity, and often leaves lasting psychological trauma. Worryingly, incidents of ragging have also been linked to depression, mental trauma, academic disruption, and, in some extreme cases, the loss of precious young lives through suicide.
At its core, ragging is contrary to the values of equality, fraternity, and human dignity that are the foundation of a civilized society. It creates a vicious cycle in which victims become perpetrators upon gaining seniority, thereby normalizing abuse and reinforcing unhealthy hierarchies. The feudal notion that seniority entitles one to dominate or humiliate newcomers has no place on a modern university campus. Such behavior is neither a tradition nor an innocent custom; it violates human dignity and the rule of law.
This responsibility is even greater for law students. As future lawyers, judges, policymakers, and upholders of justice, law students are expected to imbibe the principles of constitutional morality, respect for individual rights, and the rule of law. The practice of ragging by individuals committed to the protection of justice and human dignity is fundamentally contrary to the ideals of legal education.
Against this backdrop, Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Naya Raipur, organized a week-long “Anti-Ragging Week” from August 12th to August 18th, 2026, jointly organized by the Pro Bono Club and the University’s Anti-Ragging Committee. The initiative aimed to raise awareness about the harmful effects of ragging and reinforce the University’s commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful campus environment for all students.
During the week, a variety of activities were organized designed to meaningfully engage students and encourage collective reflection on the issue. These included an inaugural session, a debate competition, a skit presented during the Independence Day celebrations, poster-making and reel-making competitions, a documentary screening, and a workshop on anti-ragging laws and institutional safeguards. Each event was coordinated by designated faculty members, ensuring active participation and thoughtful engagement of the student community.
Through these activities, students were encouraged to internalize the values of empathy, mutual respect, and responsible citizenship, rather than simply complying with anti-ragging rules. These programs emphasized the legal consequences of ragging, as well as the moral obligation to maintain the dignity and well-being of every member of the academic community.
The University encouraged all students, faculty members and staff to actively participate in these week-long events and reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards any form of ragging, in accordance with the regulations and guidelines of the University Grants Commission (UGC).
The Anti-Ragging Week was organised by the Anti-Ragging Committee headed by Dean Dr. Avinash Samal and the Pro Bono Club under the coordination of Dr. Parvesh Kumar Rajput, with the enthusiastic support of student volunteers, especially Swastik Yadav, Harshita Bhandari, Astik and Disha, contributing significantly to the success of the campaign.
By observing Anti-Ragging Week, HNLU once again underscored its commitment to fostering a campus culture rooted in dignity, equality, compassion, and the rule of law. The University is committed to ensuring that every student receives higher education in an environment free from fear, intimidation, and discrimination, where learning and personal growth can flourish through mutual respect and shared responsibility.