Bullying is unacceptable

Bullying is a widespread, abhorrent crime. The British public school system had a lot of positive factors, such as high academic standards, inter-house competitions and egalitarian structures within schools. However, there was one extremely negative tradition called ragging. There was talk of ‘harmless ragging’; this was a misnomer because ragging is rarely harmless. It involves senior boys torturing and tormenting juniors for their own sadistic pleasure. In contrast, the Indic gurukul system had Vedic prayers that inspired students and teachers alike.

The most surprising part is that the worst ragging tends to take place in hostels of technical institutions, such as medical and engineering colleges. One would have thought that students who are pursuing their studies at that level should know better, but this is not the case. Let me compare cruel and unseemly situation imported from the West with the ancient Indic tradition. This is expressed in the Vedic hymn: Let us work together/ Let us achieve together/ Let us enjoy together/ But let there never be hatred between us.

Krishn’s relationship with his classmate Sudama is an example of how this tradition was translated into action. The gurukul was a place where all students lived in harmony under their guru, and each one received individual attention and care. As we restructure our educational curricula to meet emerging challenges, including AI, let us also pay some attention to mental and spiritual welfare of students.