From Horror to Prevention: Can We Stop Ragging Before It Starts?

Dr Ramakrishnan Raman
Pune, 15th February 2025: Like many others, I was shocked and horrified to learn about the gruesome ragging incident at Government Nursing College, Kottayam, Kerala. This is not just another case of ragging—it is a brutal crime.

The details of what the seniors did to their juniors are enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine. Victims were forced to strip naked, had dumbbells hung from their private parts, were stabbed with compasses, and had their wounds intentionally worsened with lotion. They were forced to buy alcohol, extorted for money and this is torture.

While the police have arrested a few accused, this incident raises a disturbing question—how many victims never report it? How many suffer in fear of isolation, expulsion, or even more brutal revenge? We talk about 100% literacy in Kerala, but what about humanity, emotional intelligence, and empathy?

Colleges display banners declaring “Ragging-Free Campus”, and the UGC has issued strict guidelines. Yet, incidents like these still happen. Why? By the time action is taken, the damage is already done, and lives are already scarred.

But can we stop ragging before it even starts? Yes, we can. We live in an era of AI, data-driven decision-making, and predictive analysis. If we can predict diseases, detect fraud, and optimize learning, why can’t we identify aggressive, psychopathic, and violent tendencies before they enter our campuses?

At Symbiosis, we have successfully implemented psychometric screening for students, thanks to the efforts of #FoMHS (Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences) and SCEW (Symbiosis Centre for Emotional Wellbeing). These scientific tests help detect problematic behavioral patterns that could lead to violence, bullying, or ragging.

One such test is the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire, which helps flag individuals with high aggression and violent tendencies. Another is the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire, which identifies those who lack empathy—a key factor in violent or abusive behavior. These tests are not meant to label or discriminate, but to help institutions take preventive measures, offer counseling, and ensure a safer campus environment.

Now, the real question is—should UGC make such tests mandatory for all colleges? I strongly believe it should.

If we are serious about eliminating ragging, we must go beyond slogans and policies. We need a nationwide approach that includes: Screening students before admission to identify and address violent tendencies.

It’s time for action, not just awareness. We need to push for policy-level changes that prioritize preventive measures like psychometric testing and empathy-building programs.

(Dr. Ramakrishnan Raman is an accomplished academician and seasoned professional. He is the Vice Chancellor at Symbiosis International (Deemed University).