The British influence in India is still apparent even today. One ritual borrowed from the English is the custom of ragging. It’s a form of interaction between seniors and lower-classmen in schools and colleges. Unlike hazing in the US, which is an initiation into a group, ragging was originally meant to establish a social hierarchy and teach important life values.
Ragging involves insults, physical punishments (physical, emotional or sexual in nature), running errands for seniors, and many other activities. Over time this tradition has become twisted and even dangerous. Past incidents have led to injuries and suicides. In India activities between the genders is generally limited. Recent newspaper articles about ragging in Bangalore reported that female seniors are now taking part in ragging the male underclassmen. The government has passed strict laws to ensure the safety of students.
Please pray for students in Bangalore (those in colleges, universities and medical institutions). Ask that God would help each student know how special he or she is to Him. Pray that upper-classmen would not subject newcomers to cruel or harmful requests. Pray that underclassmen would stick up for each other and confidently oppose inappropriate requests. Pray that during this time away from family, students would be protected and drawn into a relationship with God through Jesus.
Ragging involves insults, physical punishments (physical, emotional or sexual in nature), running errands for seniors, and many other activities. Over time this tradition has become twisted and even dangerous. Past incidents have led to injuries and suicides. In India activities between the genders is generally limited. Recent newspaper articles about ragging in Bangalore reported that female seniors are now taking part in ragging the male underclassmen. The government has passed strict laws to ensure the safety of students.
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| Photo from IndiaBuzzing website |
