In a deeply disturbing incident, a junior student at Bahra University in Solan district, Himachal Pradesh, was brutally ragged by three senior students. The victim was beaten with belts, punches, and kicks, leaving him physically and emotionally traumatised. The accused have been identified as Karthik, Karan Dogra, and Vishal. All the accused have been arrested, and the university has expelled them in response to this shameful act.
This isn’t just an isolated case; it raises serious concerns about the mentality and behaviour of our young generation. Why are our youth engaging in such disgraceful acts? Ragging, which was once seen as a harmless introduction to college life, has now morphed into a violent and humiliating practice.
The future of any society lies in the hands of its youth. But when those same young people partake in such barbaric behaviour, it casts a shadow over the direction our society is heading. This incident is not just a blow to the victim but a stark reflection of the deeper issues plaguing our education system and societal values.
What has gone wrong? In an era where education and technology are meant to propel us forward, why are we witnessing such backward actions among educated individuals? Universities, which should be nurturing respect, kindness, and empathy, are instead becoming breeding grounds for fear and violence.
This is not a problem of individual actions alone but a larger societal issue. As a community, we must ask ourselves: why is today’s youth disconnected from basic human empathy? Is this just a senior-junior power struggle, or are we seeing the manifestation of growing aggression and intolerance within society?
The aftermath of this incident has left many asking tough questions about the kind of environment we are creating for our youth. Education is supposed to mold responsible and sensitive individuals. When students resort to such violent acts, it raises concerns about the effectiveness of the moral values being instilled in them.
Ragging, bullying, and these kinds of inhumane behaviors don’t just leave physical scars. They destroy the mental and emotional well-being of the victim, causing trauma that lingers long after the physical wounds have healed. Incidents like this shake the foundation of trust and safety within educational institutions, which are supposed to provide a secure environment for growth and learning.
As a society, we must take collective responsibility to guide our youth toward a better path. They need to understand that real strength lies in kindness, respect, and empathy. Ragging is not a show of dominance; it’s a failure to realise that leadership comes through building trust and offering guidance, not through intimidation and violence.
The tragedy at Bahra University should serve as a wake-up call for all of us. We need to ask ourselves: what kind of future are we creating if our young people resort to such cruelty? It’s time for serious introspection, both individually and as a society.
We must focus on fostering a culture of compassion, respect, and kindness in our schools, colleges, and communities. The youth are the pillars of our future, and it’s our responsibility to ensure they grow into responsible, empathetic citizens—not individuals who thrive on fear and cruelty.
Let this heartbreaking event remind us all of the importance of building a society where every student feels safe, respected, and valued. Education isn’t just about academic success; it’s about shaping the hearts and minds of the next generation. And we, as a society, must step up to that challenge.
