A Historic Institution Caught in Turmoil
Ravenshaw University, one of Odisha’s oldest and most prestigious educational institutions, is now facing the heat of a disturbing controversy. Founded in 1868 and located in Cuttack, Ravenshaw has long stood as a beacon of academic excellence and cultural heritage in eastern India. However, its proud legacy has recently been overshadowed by serious allegations of ragging within its East Hostel premises.
The incident has not only sparked widespread concern among students and parents but has also reignited national conversations around campus safety and the persisting menace of ragging — an outdated and toxic tradition that continues to rear its head in Indian colleges despite multiple legal and institutional safeguards.
The Incident: Harassment in East Hostel
According to university officials, the alleged ragging episode occurred late Saturday night when ten third-year undergraduate students confronted a group of newly admitted first-year students inside the East Hostel. The confrontation, reportedly aggressive in tone, involved verbal abuse and harassment, creating an atmosphere of fear among the juniors.
Following complaints from the affected students, the university’s Chief Warden, hostel wardens, and administrative staff rushed to the scene. Despite initial resistance from the accused students, the situation was eventually brought under control after several rounds of persuasion and warnings.
Swift Disciplinary Action
An internal inquiry was promptly launched by the university. After preliminary findings confirmed the involvement of ten senior students, Ravenshaw University ordered them to vacate the hostel by Sunday evening. The university also informed the parents of the accused about the disciplinary action and provided the students with temporary shelter at the university’s guest house for one night.
In an official statement, the university administration reiterated its zero-tolerance stance against ragging, declaring that any form of indiscipline would be dealt with sternly to preserve the campus’s academic and emotional safety.
Preventive Measures and Policy Reforms
The incident has prompted Ravenshaw’s leadership to enhance preventive strategies aimed at eradicating ragging. The Vice-Chancellor announced the following steps:
· Awareness campaigns in all departments and hostels, educating students about the psychological and legal consequences of ragging.
· Frequent inspections in hostels and common areas to monitor student behaviour.
· Anonymous complaint mechanisms to empower victims to report abuse without fear of retaliation.
· Counselling support for both victims and accused to foster a culture of empathy and accountability.
This controversy also follows a recent backlash against another administrative decision that barred women students and staff from remaining on campus after 5:30 PM — a rule later withdrawn after public criticism. Taken together, these episodes indicate a need for more consistent and gender-sensitive campus governance.
The Larger Picture: A Persistent Problem Nationwide
Despite the presence of anti-ragging laws such as the UGC Regulation on Curbing the Menace of Ragging in Higher Educational Institutions (2009), ragging remains a serious issue in India. According to data from the University Grants Commission (UGC), over 600 cases of ragging were officially reported across the country in 2023 alone.
High-profile tragedies like the 2009 suicide of Aman Kachroo, a medical student in Himachal Pradesh, led to the tightening of anti-ragging measures nationwide. Yet, enforcement remains inconsistent, particularly in hostels where surveillance is often lax and complaints are underreported due to fear of social exclusion.
Time for Culture Shift, Not Just Rules
The Ravenshaw University ragging episode serves as a painful reminder that regulations alone cannot eliminate this systemic problem — a culture shift is essential. Educational institutions must focus on building inclusive, respectful, and empathetic environments where hierarchy and fear are replaced by mentorship and mutual support.
For Ravenshaw, this moment is a test of both leadership and legacy. As the university seeks to protect its students and preserve its historic reputation, it must take bold, consistent steps to ensure ragging is not just punished — but prevented. Only then can its century-old walls stand tall not only for academic excellence, but for student dignity and safety.
(With agency inputs)
