Firstly, if you have cracked CLAT and made up to the NLU, then congratulations!
When students are about to leave for college and start their new journey, they are overwhelmed with thoughts and worries. Thoughts on how would they adjust to the new environment, would they be able to acquire skills required in the legal profession, and one of the major worries include ragging in NLUs. Well, it’s not very difficult to understand why. But you don’t have to believe every news reported by the media. Note that there haven’t been any horrific ragging incidents reported from any elite law schools because they have a strict anti-ragging policy, and committees in place to investigate and deal with any complaints. Hence, there’s no ragging in law schools, just positive interactions, which helps seniors and freshers get together.
During positive interactions, students are asked to dance, sing, showcase any talent or answer some awkward questions. Generally, everyone is asked to introduce themselves. This may be followed by a series of questions, which may be outrageous, funny, or bold. Most of the time, it’s all fun and does not end up in the humiliation of any junior.
What are the types of ragging you may face?
Good intention, fun interaction:
This is a positive interaction between seniors and freshers. Seniors often ask some intelligent and funny questions or assign group tasks. This is a good way to know your seniors and classmates too. Probably you’ll enjoy it unless you’re sensitive or an introvert. Realize one thing that one can’t force you to do anything, and no one can prevent you from walking away.
But it’s okay to take up the challenges as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone. It can be a great chance to bond with the seniors by entertaining them and giving an impression of being a sporty junior.
A senior trying to establish his superiority:
If a senior is trying to establish his superiority can sometimes get frustrating. Play along as long as you can, and if it gets out of hand, you can leave. Maybe tell them before you leave or tell them you aren’t liking what’s happening.
A bunch of oversmart guys:
This can be tricky but avoid them in any situation. You can say you need to pee, or you have a call to attend and disappear. You don’t have to be there for long. If you don’t wish to escape, just tell them you don’t want to answer.
Conversation with sadist people:
You might encounter people who are miserable themselves and can also make you feel miserable. They might get joy when they see you clueless or helpless. If, in any case, they force you to do anything which is unethical, outright refuse to do it. These are the people who are the reasons for an anti-ragging law in colleges. Well, in law schools, such behavior is unacceptable. But even if you have the misfortune of meeting such people, leave the place as soon as possible.
What can you do in extreme cases?
If you’re uncomfortable in any situation, you can leave at any moment, and no one will object.
If you feel, you or any of your friends are not safe, or anyone is asking you to do something that is physically demeaning, immediately file a complaint. Do NOT hesitate. But do it only as a last resort and not if a senior asks you to debate on any political topic. Use your judgement and express what is politically correct. For example, if someone asks you, are women better than men? Then you can say, “I believe in equality”.
Show a little respect and be humble. You shall not be liked by all and vice versa. Just do not express your political opinions in front of everyone, and don’t state politically incorrect statements.
The Last Word
On the whole, try to be cordial and be smart while socializing. If you feel that positive interaction is going overboard, then you don’t need to be mute about it. However, while deciding whether the interaction is acceptable, it is important to be reasonable and not be over-sensitive.
Also read –
Why NLUs Are Worth The Hard Work
India’s top NLUs – Ranking Parameters
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