Sensitization program towards ragging free campus at IIMC Jammu

Aug 29, Jammu: To observe anti-ragging Day, followed by Anti-Ragging Week in alignment with the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) stringent regulations aimed at eliminating ragging in higher education institutions, IIMC Jammu conducted a pivotal anti-ragging session on its campus today.

Prominent among those who attended the event were, Dr. Dilip Kumar, Regional Director at IIMC Jammu; Prof. Anil Saumitra; Dr. Ravia Gupta, Assistant Professor, English Journalism; Mr. Vishv, Assistant Professor, IIMC Jammu; Mr. Rajeev Kumar and Gulshan Kumar, Academic Associates at IIMC Jammu; and other office staff members.
In his addressed to the students Dr. Dilip Kumar, Regional Director at IIMC Jammu, focused on the sensationalism surrounding ragging and its consequences. He highlighted the importance of discipline, specifically punctuality as a key factor in personal and professional development.

Speaking on the occasion on the topic, “Making your campus ragging free”, Dr. Ravia Gupta, Assistant Professor, English Journalism at IIMC Jammu, delivered an insightful presentation on the impact of ragging, drawing from her personal experiences. She emphasized the importance of implementing the mentor-mentee concept in educational institutions to foster a supportive environment between juniors and seniors. Additionally, she advocated for the empowerment of anti-ragging cells with legal counsel to ensure robust cases against perpetrators.

Highlighting the crucial role of mentors, she further illustrated how they contribute to students’ career development and personal growth. She encouraged students to seek both educational and personal guidance from their mentors to enhance their capabilities and build meaningful relationships with faculty. In her poignant remarks, Dr. Gupta stated, “Ragging doesn’t break the ice, it breaks lives,” and shared how her initiative of assigning “10 minutes of fame” to students facilitated better understanding and companionship among peers. She encouraged everyone to be supportive rather than confrontational, stressing that mutual respect is fundamental.

During the event, the guidelines laid down by UGC and other notifications as well as recommendations of the Supreme Court Committee on Anti-ragging were shared with students along with punishable components of ragging and various punishments at the institution level were also discussed. Besides, anti-ragging posters were analysed as part of media outreach program and anti-ragging short film “Regret” which was selected in UGC National Film Making competition was also screened to sensitize the students on the issue. Students were encouraged to take part in the national contest in various categories as announced by the UGC. They were also told to report any untoward incident on the anti-ragging helpline number announced by the UGC.

The event kickstarted by taking a pledge on mutual respect on the occasion to foster national unity among students from all the departments of English, Hindi, and Digital Media.
The session focused on the need for a safe and respectful educational atmosphere, reinforcing IIMC Jammu’s dedication to upholding anti-ragging standards, promoting a supportive academic community, and highlighting the value of playing games for good health.

Besides, students of IIMC Jammu also joined the live broadcast from IIMC Delhi for a very timely lecture in the field of International Communication delivered by eminent media educator Professor Daya Kishan Thussu from Hong Kong Baptist University. He called for a transformative approach to global media and communication while addressing the media students. He also highlighted the shifting dynamics of international media, emphasizing the rise of China as a significant force in reshaping global discourse.

The session was moderated by Mr. Vishv, Assistant Professor, IIMC Jammu and Mr. Rajeev Kumar and Gulshan Kumar, Academic Associates at IIMC Jammu, were event convenors.