Campus Times | Lucknow 

Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow, has launched a week-long Anti-Ragging Awareness Campaign to sensitise students about the legal, academic and personal consequences of ragging and reinforce a safe and respectful campus culture.

The campaign, being organised from August 12 to 18 in line with University Grants Commission (UGC) directions, began on Wednesday with an awareness rally from the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Auditorium to the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences. The rally was led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal, with students and members of the university community participating in the initiative.

The campaign seeks to underline BBAUs zero-tolerance approach towards ragging while making students aware of the rules and provisions governing the practice. The university has also urged students to promptly report any incident of ragging to the administration.

Addressing students during a lecture session organised as part of the programme, Prof. Mittal said creating a safe, respectful and fear-free academic environment remains a key priority for the university. He stressed that newly admitted students should be welcomed as members of the university community, while senior students should act as mentors and provide guidance rather than create fear or discomfort.

He also emphasised that preventing ragging cannot be left to the administration alone and requires the active participation of students, faculty members, wardens and staff. A supportive campus environment, he said, would enable students to concentrate on academics, develop their talents and pursue their overall growth without fear.

Prof. Sunita Mishra called for heightened vigilance by wardens and university officials, particularly in hostels, and stressed the importance of continuous student sensitisation on anti-ragging regulations.

Proctor Prof. Ram Chandra, Registrar Dr. Ashwini Kumar Singh and IQAC Director Prof. Shilpi Verma also addressed the gathering, highlighting the potentially adverse impact of ragging on students academic progress and mental well-being. They appealed to students to reject ragging and actively contribute to a positive and harmonious campus environment.

Throughout the awareness week, BBAU will conduct programmes aimed at familiarising students with anti-ragging rules, preventive measures and reporting mechanisms. Senior students have also been encouraged to maintain a friendly and supportive relationship with newcomers.

Teaching and non-teaching staff, research scholars and students attended the inaugural programme, marking the beginning of the universitys week-long effort to strengthen awareness and collective action against ragging.