Awareness on Ragging free Campus : A collective responsibility

Awareness Class on “Ragging-Free Campus: Taking Collective Responsibility”

An impactful awareness class on the theme “Ragging-Free Campus: Taking Collective Responsibility” was conducted on 27th October 2025 at 2:30 p.m. in General Hall 1, Government College of Teacher Education (GCTE), Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram. The session was organized by the Anti-Ragging Cell of the college with the objective of empowering student-teachers with legal knowledge, fostering mutual respect, and strengthening the commitment to maintaining a safe campus environment.

The programme began with a warm welcome address by Dr. Rajini K. Nair, Assistant Professor in Malayalam, who highlighted the relevance of awareness about anti-ragging laws in teacher education and the need for collaborative efforts in maintaining discipline and harmony within the institution.

This was followed by the presidential address delivered by Professor Dr. A. V. Sujith, Principal, GCTE. In his address, he emphasized the responsibility of student-teachers as future educators in shaping safer academic spaces and urged everyone to uphold dignity and integrity in all interactions.

The core of the event was the expert talk by Advocate Maya V, founder of CLAP (Call for Legal Awareness and Protection). As an eminent legal professional and social advocate, she delivered a powerful and engaging session that deeply resonated with the audience.

Highlights of the Expert Talk

Adv. Maya V began by explaining the fundamental idea behind CLAP — creating legally aware citizens who understand their rights, responsibilities, and the importance of timely intervention. Her session focused on:

The legal definition of ragging, its forms, and how even subtle or indirect actions can constitute abuse.

Laws against ragging, including the provisions under the Kerala Prohibition of Ragging Act and the UGC regulations, and how these laws are enforced in educational institutions.

The importance of recognising abuse, including psychological harassment, verbal intimidation, coercion, and cyber-based ragging, which often go unnoticed.

How students can respond to any abusive situation, including when and how to file a complaint, whom to approach, and what legal protection is guaranteed to victims.

The role of bystanders, stressing that preventing ragging is a collective responsibility, not just the task of authorities.

Practical demonstrations on how to identify early warning signs of ragging and how to intervene safely without escalating conflict.

Emphasis on empathy, communication, emotional intelligence, and spreading awareness as essential tools for creating a nurturing campus.

Her session was highly appreciated for its clarity, real-life relevance, and the way she simplified complex legal concepts into easily understandable points. Students found the talk motivating and empowering, as it gave them the confidence to act responsibly and stand against any form of abuse.

Following the expert talk, felicitations were offered by Dr. Shaiba T. C., Vice Principal, GCTE, and Dr. Arun S. S. Kumar, Associate Professor, Department of Physical Education. They praised the significance of such sessions in teacher education and acknowledged the efforts of the Anti-Ragging Cell in organizing the programme.

The event concluded with a sincere vote of thanks delivered by Sneha S., Student Convener of the Anti-Ragging Cell. She expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, the speaker, faculty members, and students for contributing to the success of the programme.