Reflections on Ragging in an Indian Medical College: Broken Chains of Misery

Ragging in Medical College: An Unforgettable Experience

As a medical student with a passion for Internal Medicine, I found myself in the surgery rotation—a drastic shift from my initial aspirations. My hands were not as skilled as I wished, and my interest in surgery began to wane. I shifted my focus to internal medicine and found myself more at ease in this environment. Surprisingly, my surgery residency faced with such hands could be less frustrating when they would remind me, 'Mark, what do you think about X labs?' Or, 'Mark, this patient is bonkers, and you need to call the shrink consult.' While these were often more about guidance than hands-on help, they still offered a semblance of mentorship. However, the reality of medical school was not always as supportive as this vignette suggests.

A Dose of Reality: Initial Ragging Experience

My first exposure to ragging in medical college was during my first month. Despite being a day scholar, I was not immune to the harsh reality that many Indian medical students face. One day, after our classes ended early, three of my classmates were coerced into a senior’s hostel room. This experience began with an introduction session in pure Hindi, followed by a bizarre role-play exercise where we had to mimic lizards, cockroaches, and mosquitoes respectively. I played the role of a lizard. Reflecting on this, it's a funny yet sorrowful memory from my time in medical college.

The Three Who Challenged the Tradition: Taif, Hamman, and Hamir

This story is not just about personal experiences but a tale of three friends who tried to break the generational tradition of ragging in an Indian medical college. Taif, Hamman, and Hamir are three medical students from different cities who did not know each other before starting their journey at the country's top medical school.

During their first week, everything seemed like a dream come true. They shared their backgrounds, future ambitions, and goals. However, as the days turned into weeks, the excitement gave way to fear and anxiety. Hamman, dealing with a distant hostel, found it increasingly difficult to keep up. As the weeks progressed, things took a turn for the worse.

The Night That Changed Everything

One day, after finishing their college lectures, the three friends were called to a senior’s hostel room. What followed was a night of intimidation, servitude, and the breakdown of their friendship. Hamman, acting like a robot, followed orders out of fear. Taif, initially bewildered and anxious, found himself questioning his future in medicine. The seniors treated Hamir harshly, slamming cruel insults in front of Taif and Hamman. In a moment of despair, Taif vowed that he would not allow any senior to subject him to such humiliation.

Two Paths to Freedom: Taif and Hamir's Struggle

Instead of succumbing to the seniors, Taif and Hamir vowed to finish their academic journey on their own terms. They decided to cut off their relationship with Hamman, who had become more submissive. Taif, more astute, would interact with juniors and seniors, evaluating their behavior and identifying those he could benefit from. His strategy proved effective; Taif scored an A grade and received distinctions in two subjects.

Hamir, on the other hand, was somewhat rude but learned to listen to advice from juniors and seniors. Together, they managed to pass their MBBS with good scores, reflecting the different paths they took to break the chain of ragging.

Lessons from Their Journey

The journey of Taif, Hamman, and Hamir teaches us several invaluable lessons:

1. Respect and Understanding

Everyone has a unique perspective on situations. Acknowledge individual choices and respect their decisions. This empathy is crucial in navigating the complexities of life.

2. Different Paths to Success

Each person has their way to achieve their goals. Taif and Hamir found their paths to success by standing against ragging and advocating for a positive change. This highlights that success can be achieved through diverse methods.

3. Challenging Inherited Traditions

While ragging may seem a part of tradition, it is not a necessary evil. The story of Taif, Hamman, and Hamir shows that challenging such traditions is possible and can lead to a more respectful and supportive environment.

Ultimately, if one has made a decision, they should pursue it unwaveringly. Hamman's initial opposition to Hamir and Taif's rebellion proved futile. Taif and Hamir’s commitment to their decision led to a positive change, fostering a healthier academic environment.

While their journey to success was not easy, it served as a reminder that ragging is an outdated practice and can be overcome through dedication, integrity, and a collective effort to foster respect and understanding in medical schools.