In the wake of the tragic demise of a young student at Jadavpur University, allegedly due to a harrowing case of ragging, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has swiftly taken action by convening an emergency meeting with anti-ragging squads of various universities. With shock and outrage reverberating throughout the academic community, the governor has set in motion the creation of a high-level committee, headed by a former chief justice and the present interim vice-chancellor of a prominent university, aimed at comprehensively addressing the rampant issue of ragging within educational institutions.
A statement issued by Raj Bhavan, the official residence of the governor, highlighted the urgency of the situation and the imperative to curb the menace of ragging. The statement outlined the decision to prohibit the entry of outsiders onto university and college campuses to prevent incidents of physical violence and intimidation, which are often associated with ragging incidents. This proactive step aims to ensure the safety and security of all students, especially newcomers.
Central to these measures is the formation of a distinguished high-level committee, led by the former Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court and the current interim vice-chancellor of Rabindra Bharati University, Subhro Kamal Mukherjee. The committee is tasked with conducting an in-depth examination of the ragging issue and developing actionable recommendations to eliminate such practices from campuses. This strategic move signifies a resolute commitment to tackling the deeply rooted problem of ragging head-on and ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for all students.
Governor Ananda Bose, who holds the position of chancellor for state universities, has additionally urged authorities to actively engage with hostel premises and adhere to the guidelines set forth by the University Grants Commission (UGC). These guidelines emphasize the protection of newcomers from any form of harassment, ensuring their seamless integration into the academic community.
The catalyst for these swift actions was the tragic incident involving 18-year-old Swapnadip Kundu, an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Bengali Honours at Jadavpur University. Hailing from Bagula in the Nadia district, Kundu tragically fell from a balcony in the main hostel building around 11:45 pm on August 9. Despite medical intervention, he succumbed to his injuries around 4:30 am on August 10.
Arpan Majhi, a fellow first-year student, alleged that Kundu’s untimely demise was a direct result of severe ragging perpetrated by a group of senior hostel residents. An initial investigation shed light on the distressing circumstances surrounding the incident, indicating that Kundu had been subjected to bullying by senior hostel residents.
Governor Bose, who also holds the esteemed position of the university’s chancellor, took a hands-on approach in response to the tragedy. He personally visited the hostel where the incident occurred, offering condolences and assurance to Kundu’s grieving father. Furthermore, he unequivocally pledged to take stringent action against those responsible for his son’s tragic death.
The resounding response from the governor reflects the gravity of the situation and the imperative to dismantle the deeply ingrained culture of ragging that has persisted on campuses. By forming a high-level committee composed of eminent figures in the legal and educational spheres, the governor’s office is demonstrating a steadfast commitment to instituting systemic changes that will protect students and foster a nurturing academic environment.
News Mania Desk / Agnibeena Ghosh 13th August 2023
