Udaipur, Pacific Medical University, Udaipur, organised an Anti-Ragging Awareness Seminar at Tirupati College of Nursing to educate students about the prevention of ragging, UGC and INC guidelines, legal provisions, its impact on mental health, institutional mechanisms and the responsibilities of nursing students.

The programme was coordinated by Dr. Sanjay Nagda, Principal (UG), College of Nursing. It began with a welcome address, inaugural remarks and the traditional lighting of the lamp before Goddess Saraswati.

In the first session, Prof. Dr. K.C. Yadav, Dean, College of Nursing, addressed students on UGC and INC guidelines on ragging. He emphasised that nursing education is not limited to academic knowledge and clinical skills but also focuses on developing discipline, ethics, responsibility, respect and professional values. He urged students to actively contribute to maintaining a safe and positive academic environment.

Prof. Col. Dr. Ashish Kumar Goyal, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, PMCH, spoke on “UGC Regulations on Ragging and Legal Consequences.” He explained that ragging is unacceptable in any form and cannot be justified as entertainment, an introduction or a tradition. He highlighted the rules and legal consequences associated with ragging and cautioned students that inappropriate conduct could adversely affect their academic and professional careers.

In the second session, Prof. Dr. Vikas Gaud, Department of Psychiatry, discussed the psychological impact of ragging on healthcare trainees. He explained how humiliation, intimidation, threats and mental pressure can negatively affect a student’s confidence and mental well-being. He highlighted concerns such as stress, fear, anxiety, reduced self-confidence, social withdrawal, loneliness and declining interest in studies. He encouraged students to show empathy towards their peers and seek timely support whenever required.

Dr. Sanjay Nagda also addressed students on “Institutional Mechanisms and the Role of Nursing Professionals.” He explained the importance of effective institutional systems, awareness, monitoring and continuous communication in preventing ragging. He urged students to report any incident of ragging or inappropriate behaviour through the appropriate institutional channels rather than concealing it.

Connecting the issue with their future professional responsibilities, Dr. Nagda said that today’s students would become tomorrow’s nursing professionals and therefore must develop discipline, respect, responsibility, empathy and leadership skills from their student years. He particularly advised senior students that seniority should mean responsibility, not authority, and that they should guide, support and protect their juniors.

“Senior students should become mentors, not intimidators,” he said.

The seminar was supported by Gajendra Sargara, Bhoomi Nimawat, Khushboo Vaishnav and Ishika Vaishnav, whose contribution helped make the programme successful.