Aligarh: Aligarh Muslim University departments and other institutions observed Anti-Ragging Day, with programmes aimed at raising awareness, fostering respect, and promoting a safe and inclusive campus environment. According to the University Grants Commission (UGC), Anti-Ragging Day is observed annually on August 12th, followed by Anti-Ragging Week from August 12th to 18th.
At the Department of Computer Science, the event was attended by teachers, non-teaching staff, research scholars, and students of MCA, M.Sc. (Cyber Security & Digital Forensics), and B.Sc. (Computer Science & Applications).
Conducted by Dr Mohammad Nadeem, the programme featured an address by Chairperson Prof. Arman Rasool Faridi, who stressed the importance of supporting freshers during their transition, ensuring a ragging-free campus, and following UGC Anti-Ragging Regulations. He underscored mentorship, vigilance, and awareness as key strategies against ragging, and explained reporting mechanisms for incidents. The event concluded with the Anti-Ragging Pledge administered by Dr Nadeem.
In the Department of History, the Undergraduate History Club, in collaboration with the department’s Anti-Ragging Committee, organised an event titled “Stop Bullying Now.” Welcoming participants, Dr Aneesa Iqbal condemned ragging as a dehumanising practice that hampers national progress and erodes human dignity. Chairperson Prof. Hassan Imam praised AMU’s traditions and the zero-tolerance policy towards ragging, urging mutual cooperation among students.
Guest speakers included Prof. S. Chandnibi, who discussed the psychological and physical trauma caused by ragging, and Ms. S. Saba, who detailed government policies, prevention programmes, and grievance redressal mechanisms. In his concluding remarks, Prof. Parvaiz Nazir denounced ragging as an outdated practice and encouraged students to focus on academics. The event ended with a vote of thanks by Danish Aslam, secretary of the Undergraduate History Club.
The Department of Linguistics observed Anti-Ragging Week by organising a slogan writing competition to create awareness against ragging. A large number of students and research scholars participated, showcasing their creativity and commitment to a ragging-free campus. Chairperson Mr Masood Ali Beg addressed the gathering, informing students about the harmful effects of ragging and advising them to refrain from such activities.
Later the same day, the Department of Linguistics also organised an Anti-Discrimination Informative Talk and the Chairperson Mr Masood Ali Beg highlighted AMU’s long-standing tradition of anti-discrimination and equal access to learning opportunities. Dr Nazrin B. Laskar discussed the constitutional guarantee of the Right to Equality, while Dr Pallav Vishnu emphasised the centrality of equality in making institutions great. Dr Sabahuddin Ahmed and Dr Abdul Aziz Khan reflected on Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s vision and his advocacy of inclusivity. Two new students, Ms Sidra and Mohd Ashik P, shared personal experiences underscoring the importance of a welcoming academic environment.
The AMU Girls’ School, under the guidance of Principal Mrs Amna Malik and Vice Principal Mrs Alka Agarwal, observed Anti-Ragging Week with active participation from faculty and staff. An interactive audio-visual session by Areeba Asad (Class X-E) highlighted the harmful effects of ragging, covering emotional, psychological, and physical consequences, as well as legal measures to combat the practice. The Anti-Ragging Committee was constituted on the occasion.
During the morning assembly, Manpreet Vaid and Arshi Rafique (Class XII Arts) delivered speeches emphasising the severe mental and emotional toll of ragging.
