Overview

KISS Deemed to be University solemnly observed Anti-Ragging Day followed by a week-long campaign titled Anti-Ragging Week, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful academic environment. The initiative was organized under the guidance of the university’s Anti-Ragging Committee, in alignment with the directives of the University Grants Commission (UGC).

The University had organized the event both at central level to mark the Anti-Ragging Day on 12th August 2025 and at school-level to observe Anti-Ragging Week from 12th to 18th August 2025.

Objectives 

The events were organized with the objectives of creating awareness and sensitizing the students about the ill effects of ragging on campus. Some of the major objectives were as follows:

  • To raise awareness about the harmful effects of ragging on campus.
  • To educate the students about their rights and responsibilities.
  • To promote a culture of mutual respect and zero tolerance for harassment.
  • To disseminate the prevention and redressal mechanisms with the students.

Who Participated in the Week-Long Programme

All the Schools under KISS Deemed to be University joined hands in the observance of Anti-Ragging Day and Anti-Ragging Week. The Deans with the support of the Heads of the Departments and faculty members of their respective Schools contributed in the week-long programme ensuring that all the key aspects are taken care of. They organized various activities to mark the occasion.

Anti-Ragging Day – Inaugural Session – 12th August 2025

The observance began with an inaugural session featuring addresses by senior university officials, including the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor and Registrar. They emphasized the university’s proactive stance against ragging and highlighted the legal and ethical implications of such behavior.

School of Comparative Tribal Languages and Literatures

On 12 August 2025, various Departments (Odia, English, Sanskrit, Santali and Hindi) under the School of Comparative Tribal Languages and Literatures (SCTLL), KISS-DU, jointly conducted two student competitions to mark the observance of Anti-Ragging Day and Week. An Essay Competition was held at 12:00 P.M in LT-208, and a Slogan Writing Competition took place parallely at 12:00 P.M in LT-207. These events were organised to engage students in reflective and creative expression, reinforcing the institutional values of ethical conduct, academic integrity, and community harmony.

In the Essay Competition, students articulated their perspectives on the given themes, showcasing critical thinking and writing skills. The first prize was awarded to Pabitra Sabar, UG – III, Department of Hindi, the second prize was jointly secured by Jiban Prasad Hantal, PG-I, Department of Chemistry and Ankita Patra, PG – II, Commerce, and the third prize went to Alok Dhanwar, PG – II, Dept of English.

The Slogan Writing Competition saw vibrant participation, with students crafting concise and impactful messages. Umakanti Majhi, PG – II, Department of Odia was adjudged the winner, securing the first prize. The second prize was awarded to Thakur Hembram, PG – II, Department of Santali, while Dhiresh Majhi, PG – II, Dept of Food Science received the third prize for their creative entry.

Glimpses of the Event

School of Tribal Heritage and Tribal Indology (STHTI)

The School of Tribal Heritage and Tribal Indology, jointly with NEP SAARTHI, and in collaboration with the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), KISS-DU organized an Invited Lecture on the topic “From Freshers to Friends: Zero Ragging to 100% Wellness” on 18th August,2025 at 11am. This was a part of the observation of the Anti-Ragging Week.

Professor Namita Mohanty, Professor Emeritus, KISS-DU and former Professor in Psychology, Utkal University made an exuberant deliberation on this topic. Her talk highlighted the various forms of ragging and different ways to avoid ragging. She emphasized the importance of seeking help and means to combat adverse situations. The focus was to enhance mental health that would lead to positivity and happiness.

The talk was followed by a very interactive Panel Discussion where the panellists were our students and NEP SAARTHIs. They, made all possible efforts to ensure that their juniors feel at home, as a part of peer counselling.

We had a very special invitee, Ms. Fatou Sow, Learning and Development Coach from Netherlands who emphasized that spreading love was the building blocks for peace and harmony in any kind of situation.

The session was graced by Professor (Dr.) Debashis Bandyopadhyay, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, KISS-DU, Ms. Fatou Sow, Learning and Development Coach from Netherlands. Mr. Suvendu Mohanty, Addl Director, Student Affairs, Mr. Saroj Das, Director Social Projects, and Dr. Sujata Acharya, Dean, STHTI and SAARTHI Coordinator.

Glimpses of the Event

School of Indigenous Knowledge Science and Technology

To uphold the vision of a safe, inclusive, and respectful academic environment, the Departments of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Computer Science of School of Indigenous Knowledge Science and Technology jointly organized Anti-Ragging Awareness Programmeon 18.08.2025 to mark Anti-Ragging Day and Week. This initiative was undertaken in accordance with UGC regulations and institutional policies to eliminate ragging in all forms and promote harmony among students.

Anti-Ragging Awareness Programme was organized

  • To create awareness among students about the ill-effects of ragging.
  • To educate students on the legal and disciplinary consequences of ragging.
  • To promote a culture of mutual respect, dignity, and cooperation among senior and junior students.
  • To introduce anti-ragging policies, help mechanisms, and support systems available on campus.

Observation of Anti ragging awareness program:

  • Inaugural Session:
    The programme was inaugurated by the  Dean of SIKST, who delivered a keynote address emphasizing the zero-tolerance policy towards ragging and the importance of maintaining a healthy student community.
  • Awareness Talk by Faculty:
    Faculty members from all four departments presented brief lectures covering:

    • Definition and forms of ragging
    • Legal provisions under UGC and Indian Penal Code
    • Psychological and emotional impact of ragging
    • Reporting mechanisms and help lines available at SIKST
  • Screening of Awareness Videos:
    Educational videos from UGC and AICTE were screened, followed by interactive discussions with students.
  • Student Interactive Session:
    Students actively participated in open forums, sharing their thoughts and concerns. Peer leaders and senior students were invited to share positive experiences of mentoring juniors.
  • Poster and Essay Competitions:
    Competitions were organized on the theme “Say No to Ragging”, with enthusiastic participation from students across departments. Winning entries were displayed on the department notice boards.
  • Pledge Ceremony:
    All students and faculty took a collective anti-ragging pledge, affirming their commitment to fostering a ragging-free environment.

The awareness programme successfully instilled a sense of responsibility and awareness among students regarding the consequences of ragging. Feedback collected from participants indicated a positive impact, with increased understanding of institutional support systems and greater willingness to report incidents without fear.

The Anti-Ragging Awareness Programme, stands as a testament to SIKST’s proactive approach in ensuring student welfare. Such initiatives will continue to be held periodically to reinforce a culture of safety, empathy, and mutual respect.

Glimpses of the Event

School of Tribal Resource Management

All the Departments under the School of Tribal Resource Management (STRM), KISS-DU observed Anti-Ragging Day and Anti-Ragging Week on 19th August 2025. The event began with the address by Dr. Arpana Premi Lina Oraon, Dean, STRM, who welcomed the gathering. She emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline and harmony among students. She also encouraged the students to creatively use social media platforms to spread awareness on the ill effects of ragging by making short YouTube videos under the campaign #YaARI Youth Against Anti-Ragging Initiative.

Dr. Snehalata Das highlighted the legal, moral, and social consequences of ragging. She inspired the students to contribute through awareness videos, emphasizing that visual campaigns can strongly influence peer groups and society at large. Mr. Subhendu Mohanty, Additional Director, Student Affairs, delivered a powerful talk on the significance of a ragging-free environment. He shared real-life experiences from his student days and suggested innovative ideas for making awareness videos, stressing the need for storytelling and real incidents to be showcased in the #YaARI campaign.

Dr. Parikshita Khatua (HoD Commerce) encouraged students to design impactful and creative video content that reflects ethical and professional values. Dr. Gopal Krushna Jena (HoD Economics) spoke on the impact of ragging, urging Ph.D. scholars and students to analyse the issue deeply and create educational content for the YouTube awareness drive. Dr. Monalisha Mishra (HoD Geography) inspired the students to depict cultural and regional perspectives in anti-ragging videos, showing how unity in diversity strengthens the movement.

Other faculty members, including Dr. Somanath Mishra, Dr. Anwesha Chakraborty, Soumya Ranjan Swain, and Dr. Kamal Kant Das, also addressed the gathering and encouraged students to actively participate in the #YaARI YouTube Campaign, ensuring that their videos carry strong, clear, and motivating messages.

The program concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Dean STRM Dr. Arpana Premi Lina Oraon, who appreciated the efforts of all speakers, faculty members, and students. The event was a grand success, as it not only created awareness on the ill effects of ragging but also motivated students to take ownership in creating videos to share their concerns about the ill-effects of ragging through appropriate social media platforms, ensuring the message is disseminated to a large target group.

Glimpses of the Event

 School of Tribal Legal Studies and Tribal Rights

 Students Seminar on Anti-Ragging
Date:19th August 2025
Time:10:00 AM
Organized by:The School of TLS&TR

In Collaboration with: The Gender Sensitization Cell

Venue: Room -305, KISS Campus-4:

The School of Tribal Legal Studies and Tribal Rights (STLS&TR)in collaboration with the Gender Sensitization Cell organized a student’s seminar on anti-ragging with the newly inducted students. The Ph.D. scholars of the school conducted a seminar on anti-ragging and making the campus inclusive and friendly. The seminar was attended by students, scholars and faculty members making it a grand success.

Participants:

The participants were the UG first year and PG 1st  year students with Ph.D. Scholars and faculty members of the school of tribal legal studies and tribal rights, KISS DU.

Programme Details:

Welcome Address:

The programme commenced with a warm and insightful welcome address delivered by Dr. Pragyan Mohanty, Dean, School of TLS&TR and Convenor of the Gender Sensitization Cell. In her address, Dr. Mohanty set the tone for the seminar by highlighting the importance of anti-ragging. She gave many real-life examples and also stated that KISS DU has never encountered any ragging instances. But the students need to be aware about ragging and also know how to prevent it. She emphasized the various committees in the university that focused on the safety of the students.

Resource Person’s Address:

Dr.Tripura Mishra addressed the gathering, bringing into perspective the importance on awareness regarding ragging. She explained with many real-life examples the causes and effects of ragging on the mind of young students. She also focused on the various rules against ragging.

Sessions by Resource Persons:

The seminar began with a short video on ragging and how it affects a student.

The Ph.D. scholars of the school were the resources persons for this seminar along with Dr.Tripura Mishra.

  • Ms.Bhanumati Biswal- highlighted the causes of ragging with an university and how to combact it.
  • Mr.Basen Hansda- Spoke on the various rules, regulations and efforts by universities to combat ragging.
  • Mr.Rabindra Murmu- spoke on real life experiences of ragging in other universities.
  • Ms.Rajeswari Marndi- spoke on the help which is readily available to the students if they face ragging. They can approach their mentors and teachers. She also stated how lucky she is to never have encountered ragging in KISS DU.
  • Ms.Anjali Bhoi- Spoke on the importance of inner strength to fight such cases if ever encountered and that anyone might face ragging anytime at any place in their life.

Vote of Thanks:

The programme concluded with a formal Vote of Thanks delivered by Mr.Suresh Dharua Ph.D. Scholar.

Outcome of the Programme:

Such awareness raising seminars are essential part of the induction process of the new students that helps them to be aware of any such act which may be harassing in nature. In these cases, the anti-ragging rules of the university can protect these students from un due harassment and problems.

National Contest on Digital Poster Making Competition on Anti-Ragging in KISS-DU

The National Contest on Digital Poster Making Competition on Anti-Ragging was organized within KISS-DU on 20th August 2025 as part of a nationwide initiative launched by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and C4Y, inviting students from universities, colleges, and institutions across India to participate in the celebration of Anti-Ragging Day on 12th August 2025 and the subsequent Anti-Ragging Week observed from 12th to 18th August 2025. The contest at KISS-DU witnessed enthusiastic participation from more than 25 students who showcased their creativity, awareness, and strong stand against the menace of ragging through vibrant digital posters carrying powerful messages. The event not only served as a platform to nurture artistic skills but also highlighted the importance of spreading awareness on creating a safe, inclusive, and ragging-free academic environment. After a thorough evaluation based on creativity, originality, relevance to the theme, and visual impact, 10 posters were selected as the best entries, reflecting both the seriousness of the issue and the imaginative approach of the young minds. These selected posters were further shared through the official Instagram page of the university, amplifying their reach and ensuring the message resonated with a larger audience beyond the campus community. The competition reaffirmed the university’s commitment towards UGC’s anti-ragging mandate and its proactive role in sensitizing students to uphold values of respect, dignity, and harmony within educational spaces. The initiative, deeply rooted in the vision of a safe and supportive learning environment, not only discouraged ragging but also motivated students to become ambassadors of positive change and peer leaders against such practices. The event marked a significant step in connecting students’ creativity with social responsibility, demonstrating how innovative expressions like digital art can become powerful tools for advocacy. By linking the local participation at KISS-DU with the broader national movement, the contest brought students into a collective effort against ragging while celebrating their role as responsible citizens and future leaders. The overwhelming response to the competition reflected the growing consciousness among students to resist ragging in all forms, while the sharing of selected works on digital platforms highlighted the effectiveness of social media in shaping public opinion and promoting awareness. Through this initiative, KISS-DU not only celebrated the Anti-Ragging Week meaningfully but also strengthened its stance as an institution committed to protecting students’ rights and dignity. The contest closed on a positive note, leaving participants motivated, faculty members encouraged by the students’ creativity and awareness, and the university administration assured that initiatives like this will continue to build a campus culture that is safe, inclusive, and aligned with the national vision of eradicating ragging from educational institutions.