Freshers have a reason to smile

With the LU authorities managing to check the menace of ragging, freshers are indeed a happy lot


THE Lucknow University (LU) campus is back to life. The sight of young boys and girls rushing around in their colourful attires is indeed a sight to behold. The campus is resonating with the non-stop chatter of these raring-to-go youngsters. And why not? For most of the facchas the days of regimented discipline are finally over. Though initially, this excitement was tempered by the fear of ragging.

However, the LU freshers seem to be a relaxed lot this time. And they have a reason to feel so. The LU officials have a mechanism in place to fight the menace of ragging. “We have set up a cell to check the menace.

The proctorial board members will are making random visits to classes, and the deans and HoDs have been asked to step in when required. Besides, the police and PAC are also helping us,” informed LU Proctor Dr AN Singh.

Ragini Srivastava, a first year commerce student, candidly states: “Ragging! What’s that? I was very apprehensive of being ragged by my seniors but nothing has happened so far. In fact, my interaction with them has been quite pleasing.” Well, there’s no denying the fact that ragging in its dreaded form is not to be seen on LU campus but the much enjoyed ‘intro’ is definitely very much there. “We haven’t ragged our juniors this time, but yes we’ve interacted with them and made them sing and dance which anyone would enjoy,” said a bunch of IInd year students.

Tell them about the UGC circular pertaining to ragging and the associated disciplinary actions against the accused and they react, “Hamen bhi maloom hai ki hamare against action ho sakta hai. Isliye hamlog aisa kuch nahin karte hain jissey hamen koi punishment mile.” Well, the UGC message really seems to have worked wonders on the LU campus.

However, LU authorities are not stopping at this. The university plans to start an orientation program for freshers – the way it’s done in universities abroad. “Once the entire admission process is completed on the 14th of next month, we will conduct a two-day orientation program for the students of undergraduate classes and a one-day session for the students of post graduate classes.

They will be made aware about the university, the deans and HoDs and the proctor office, about the Student Welfare Department. Besides, they will be given other vital information, essential for their stay in the university as a student.

And obviously, ‘how to stay away from ragging’ will also be a major agenda,” informed Dr Nishi Pandey, Dean, Student Welfare. She adds that the contact numbers of various important LU officials will also be given to the students.So, it seems happy days are here again.

link to report : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Lucknow_Times/Freshers_have_a_reason_to_smile/articleshow/2244774.cms