From Ragging to Resilience: Overcoming Hazing in Indian Medical Schools

Medical school, for most students, is a rigorous and demanding journey filled with intense coursework, long hours, and constant pressure. However, for many aspiring doctors in India, there is an additional hurdle that doesn’t appear on any syllabus: ragging. This toxic tradition of hazing, often brutal and dehumanizing, is still present in many educational institutions despite efforts to curb it.

In his memoir Mind over Borders, Dr. Kalyana Battu takes us through his own harrowing experience of ragging during his medical education in India. His story is not just one of survival but also resilience, showing us how he overcame the emotional and psychological toll of hazing while still pursuing his dream of becoming a doctor.

The Dark Tradition of Ragging

Ragging, also known as hazing, has a long and toxic history in Indian colleges, particularly in medical schools. The practice involves seniors subjecting juniors—new students—to physical, emotional, and mental abuse, often under the guise of tradition or initiation. It’s meant to “toughen up” newcomers, but in reality, it leaves lasting scars. This tradition thrives in environments like medical schools, where stress and competition already run high. What might start as playful teasing can escalate quickly, crossing the line into abuse.

In Mind Over Borders, Dr. Battu recalls his first few days in medical school as a fresh-faced student in a hostel. These early moments should have been filled with excitement and anticipation, but instead, they were tainted by fear. As a junior, he became a target for senior students who used ragging as a way to establish dominance and control. The trauma of those initial days, filled with forced humiliation and degrading tasks, would haunt him for a long time.

Dr. Battu’s experience is not unique. Thousands of students face ragging in Indian medical colleges every year, where the need to assert authority and hierarchy overshadows empathy and respect. From being forced to sing, dance, or do embarrassing tasks to facing mental abuse and physical threats, ragging takes many forms. For some, it can even lead to more severe consequences, including self-harm or suicide.

The Emotional Toll of Ragging

The emotional toll of ragging cannot be overstated. The trauma experienced by students often extends far beyond the immediate period of harassment. Dr. Battu’s recollection of this period paints a vivid picture of how isolating and distressing the experience can be. Imagine being away from your family for the first time in a new and unfamiliar environment, only to be humiliated by people who are supposed to guide and mentor you. The isolation, confusion, and helplessness are feelings that many students can relate to.

The emotional damage caused by ragging is subtle yet profound. It erodes a student’s sense of self-worth and dignity. The humiliation doesn’t end when the hazing stops. It lingers in the form of anxiety, depression, and a pervasive sense of inferiority. The very institution that is supposed to nurture and educate its students becomes a source of trauma.

For Dr. Battu, the experience of ragging was a harsh introduction to the world of medicine. He was subjected to mental and emotional abuse during his early days at medical school. Despite being deeply affected by the experience, he chose not to let it define him. Instead, he used it as a source of inner strength and resilience. His journey to becoming a doctor was shaped not just by academic learning but by the emotional endurance he developed in response to this toxic practice.

Rising Above the Hazing

Dr. Battu’s resilience in the face of ragging is what sets his story apart. He didn’t let the cruel and degrading treatment he endured dictate the rest of his life. Instead of succumbing to fear or anger, he channeled his pain into determination. For him, ragging was an obstacle to his dreams, but it would not stop him from achieving them.

One of the most powerful aspects of Dr. Battu’s story is his ability to stay focused on his goal of becoming a doctor despite the hardships he faced. He chose to view ragging not as an insurmountable roadblock but as a challenge that would ultimately help him build strength. Instead of letting it break him, he used the experience as a lesson in resilience, perseverance, and the importance of mental fortitude.

His experience also reveals an important truth about medical education in India—students are often forced to grow up quickly. The intense pressure to perform academically, combined with the psychological toll of hazing, often leaves students feeling like they are walking a tightrope. For Dr. Battu, this meant learning to balance the weight of his ambitions with the emotional costs of the environment he was in. Through it all, he found the courage to press forward, even when the road seemed unkind and unforgiving.

Transforming Pain into Purpose

Dr. Battu’s story ultimately proves that while ragging leaves scars, it doesn’t have to define a person’s future. Instead of letting his experience of hazing define his medical career, he used it to fuel his determination to help others. His memoir is not just a personal account; it is a call to action for anyone who has ever faced adversity in pursuit of their dreams.

The emotional toll of ragging may never fully fade, but Dr. Battu teaches us that it is possible to overcome it and thrive. His story speaks to the power of resilience, the importance of inner strength, and the ability to rise above toxic environments. It’s a reminder that no matter how challenging the circumstances may seem, perseverance can lead to success.

The Need for Change

While Dr. Battu’s resilience is inspiring, his story also highlights the need for systemic change in India’s educational institutions. Ragging is a deep-rooted issue, and its impact extends far beyond the immediate moment of humiliation. For many students, the scars of hazing last a lifetime. Medical schools and universities must acknowledge the detrimental effects of ragging and implement concrete measures to eradicate it.

In recent years, efforts have been made to curb ragging, and some institutions have implemented anti-ragging policies and established helplines. However, the fight is far from over. Students still face bullying and harassment in many colleges, and the emotional toll continues to affect their mental health. Schools must create safer, more supportive environments for all students, where kindness, respect, and empathy replace the harmful practices of hazing.

Conclusion

Mind Over Borders is more than just a memoir; it is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience. Dr. Kalyana Battu’s journey from ragging to resilience speaks to the perseverance, strength, and courage required to succeed in one of the most demanding fields. His story serves as both a personal reflection and a broader commentary on the toxic culture of ragging that continues to plague many medical schools in India.

While ragging may be a painful chapter in Dr. Battu’s life, it is also a chapter that has shaped him into the doctor, mentor, and human being he is today. His story is an inspiration for anyone who has faced adversity in their journey to success. And perhaps, most importantly, it serves as a reminder that, despite the darkness, there is always a way to rise above and find the light.