02/09/2026
PAU OBSERVES ANTI-RAGGING WEEK WITH AWARENESS RALLIES, PLEDGES AND STUDENT ACTIVITIES; REPORTS ZERO RAGGING INCIDENTS
Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, observed Anti-Ragging Day and Anti-Ragging Week from August 12 to 18, 2026, across its main campus, constituent colleges and outstations, in compliance with UGC guidelines. The week-long campaign focused on sensitizing students to the harmful effects of ragging, its legal, disciplinary and psychological consequences, while promoting a safe, respectful, inclusive and ragging-free academic environment, particularly for newly admitted students.
The University reported zero incidents of ragging during the week as well as in the preceding weeks. The University undertook a series of student-centric activities, awareness programmes and preventive measures throughout the week. At the advisor level, newly admitted undergraduate and postgraduate students, along with senior students, were counselled on maintaining healthy senior-junior relationships and refraining from any activity that could constitute ragging.
Anti-ragging posters, banners and flexes carrying awareness messages were displayed at prominent locations, including academic buildings, departments, lecture room complexes, library, canteen, entry gates, hostels and common areas. Anti-Ragging Squads and Flying Squads conducted regular as well as surprise visits to classrooms, laboratories, lecture halls, hostels, messes and canteens, while interacting with students to reinforce awareness and vigilance.
On August 12, National Anti-Ragging Day, awareness lectures and expert sessions were organized. Dr. Manmeet Kaur, under the guidance of Dr. P.K. Kingra, sensitized students to various forms of ragging and its impact on mental well-being. An online session on Stress Management, Emotional Intelligence and Positive Thinking was conducted by professional psychologist Dr. Sween Saini. Dr. Sumedha Bhandari, Professor, Department of Agricultural Journalism, Languages and Culture (AJLC), delivered an invited lecture on the types and causes of ragging and encouraged students to cultivate self-respect and resilience. Dr. L.M. Kathuria emphasized the responsibility of senior students in maintaining a congenial campus environment. The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Rakhpreet Kaur Walia, AJLC. Students Ms. Anshul Sharma and Ms. Mitali also shared their perspectives on fostering friendship and mutual respect between seniors and juniors. The day concluded with silent and slogan-raising rallies and a collective pledge to keep the PAU campus ragging-free.
On August 13, a Slogan Writing Competition and Say No to Ragging Pledge Drive were organized. Students pledged to refrain from ragging in thought, word and action and to promote fraternity, dignity and mutual respect.
On August 14, large-scale awareness rallies involving nearly 300 students were held, along with poster and slogan competitions, declamation contests and a quiz competition at PAL Auditorium, coordinated by Dr. Harleen Kaur. An Anti-Ragging Help Desk was also established to disseminate information about the UGC Anti-Ragging Mobile App and helpline services.
On August 16 and 17, Student Mentorship and Buddy Programmes were initiated, under which one senior student was designated as a mentor for five first-year students. Senior mentors, including Chahatpreet Kaur, Ekamdeep Singh, Harinder Singh, Heavendeep Singh, Jashanpreet Kaur, Arshdeep Singh, Veer Kamal, Sukhman Kaur Thind, Komal Chaudhary, Kanwalpreet Singh, Ravinder Singh and Prabhjot Kaur, among others, guided freshers regarding academics, university facilities, discipline and campus life. Advisory classes were also conducted, during which anti-ragging awareness videos were screened.
The week concluded on August 18 with an Awareness March, oath-taking ceremonies and a concluding lecture by Dr. Satwinderjit Kaur, KVK Gurdaspur and Acting Convener, IOA Gurdaspur. Dr. Priya Katyal, Member, Anti-Ragging Committee and Warden, UG Girls Hostel, proposed the Vote of Thanks.
Congratulating the colleges and outstations for their collective efforts, Dr. Rishi Pal Singh (IAS), Vice-Chancellor, PAU, said that a ragging-free campus was fundamental to a true academic institution. He expressed pride in PAU's zero-tolerance approach towards ragging and emphasized the University's commitment to ensuring that every fresher feels secure, respected and welcomed. He stressed that the University's approach extends beyond prohibition to nurturing empathy, fraternity and mentorship among students, and appreciated the enthusiastic participation of students throughout the week.
Dr. D.K. Suri, Director of Students' Welfare, PAU, appreciated the active participation of students and faculty, observing that the success of the campaign was reflected in strong student engagement, ranging from awareness rallies to buddy mentoring. He urged senior students to continue serving as supportive mentors and friends to their juniors and to help maintain PAU as a safe, student-friendly campus.
Dr. V.P. Sethi, Chairperson, Anti-Ragging Committee, PAU, lauded the continuous vigilance maintained by the Anti-Ragging Squads, Flying Squads and monitoring teams led by conveners from various colleges and outstation institutes. He expressed gratitude to the Deans, Conveners, Advisors, Wardens and squad members for conducting regular and surprise checks across academic blocks, hostels, messes, canteens and laboratories. He noted that sustained monitoring, coupled with student counselling and awareness, had contributed to ensuring that no incident of ragging was reported. He added that such vigilance would continue to strengthen a safe, disciplined and supportive environment for every student at PAU.
