The Dark Reality of Coed Ragging: A Glimpse into the Past

In the annals of college life, the practice of ragging is a phenomenon that has permeated societies across the globe. For many individuals, the experience of ragging has been deeply harrowing. However, when it comes to the specific experiences of women, particularly in mixed-gender (coed) environments, the stories are often layered with violence and exploitation. This article delves into the darker aspects of coed ragging, as experienced by women in various institutions, including renowned academic institutions like IITs and elite universities.

The Evolution of Coed Ragging

Let's start with the context in which these practices flourished. In the 1980s, when rules against ragging were still in their infancy, women found themselves at the heart of these often savage rituals. The treatment of female students in these environments was nothing short of degrading and violent. Personal stories from individuals like Aman Dhatarwal and Prakash Rajpurohit reveal the extent to which women were subjected to abuse, both physical and psychological. Dhatarwal, in a series of videos and statements, speaks openly about the stripping of female students down to their undergarments and the harassment they faced. Similarly, Rajpurohit, who ranked 4th in IIT and 2nd in the IAS, also shared his account of women being stripped and forced to partake in pole dancing.

Medical Colleges: A Hotbed for Coed Ragging

Medical colleges, with their close-knit student communities, often became the epicenter of these rituals. While male students were not spared, the experiences of female students in these institutions are of particular concern. As told by a doctor who is now the speaker's wife, these practices were prevalent and often normalized. In medical colleges, the tradition of stripping female students, measuring their breast sizes, and demanding they remember the sizes of all other women's bras and underwear, was a common occurrence. This was further compounded by the psychological torture of being naked and made to dance, followed by ridicule from upper-year students. This practice was not an isolated event but a recurring cycle that continued even up to the final year.

Forced Proposals and Indifference from Professors

The practices extended to more sinister rituals, including forcing women to make unwanted propositions to senior boys in front of everyone. Additionally, women were subjected to intimate measurements and clothing checks, all of which served to enforce a culture of humiliation and control. Even more alarming is the fact that many professors supported these practices, framing them as a rite of passage for gaining confidence and breaking out of one's shell. These professors, who fail to recognize the serious trauma and harm caused by their actions, seem to view ragging as merely a means of personality development.

The Consequences

The consequences of such practices were dire. The cycle of abuse and humiliation led to several cases of suicide among female students. The trauma and shame associated with these experiences often had long-lasting impacts on the mental health and well-being of the victims. In many cases, these women never spoke out due to the fear of retribution and the acceptance of such behavior as part of the norm.

Conclusion

The stories of coed ragging, as told by survivors and witnesses, paint a grim picture of the abuses that have been inflicted on female students in the past. It is crucial to recognize the severity of these issues and work towards creating safer, more respectful environments for all students. As the global community responds to the testimonies of individuals like Dhatarwal and Rajpurohit, it becomes apparent that change is necessary to ensure that the future of education is free from such toxic practices.