Different Welcome Ceremony
A medical student, who joined the Coimbatore Medical College on Monday, and her mother water a sapling after planting it as part of the welcome ceremony organised by the college for the first year MBBS students. Dean (in-charge) of the college V. Kumaran (third left) is in the picture. “I just want to get into my classroom and also the hostel,” A.R. Prasan from Krishnagiri said at the Coimbatore Medical College here on Monday, the first day of his MBBS course. In less than 24 hours, the fear of ragging gave way to a sense of belongingness. Mr. Prasan was among 124 students who walked into the college with their sights set firmly on an illustrious career in medicine. The college organised a welcome for the newcomers, and their parents were also invited. Three students planted saplings on behalf of the newcomers to mark what they thought was a rare first day in college in an unbelievably congenial atmosphere.
College authorities, teachers and senior students assured the parents that their children would be safe. Dean (in-charge) V. Kumaran said: “We wanted to make everything comfortable for them. They should feel welcome and the atmosphere should help them concentrate on their studies, instead of the fear of ragging weighing on their mind.” What happened at the college on Monday was in keeping with the Government’s stern warning that ragging would not be tolerated. “Students accused of involvement in ragging will first be suspended. If found guilty by an inquiry, they will be dismissed,” the Dean said.
Mr. Prasan’s father B. Rajendran, said: “Even as they yearned for good education for their children, parents came here very apprehensive about what will happen to their sons or daughters. When the students’ leader spoke of efforts to prevent ragging, I was happy that my son had come to the right institution. If the atmosphere is going to be as cordial as it was at the welcome party, I think he will feel more at home here.”The college gave to the parents the phone numbers of its authorities and teachers. Parents could call them any time to enquire about their children’s well-being. Complaints, if any, could also be given over phone and action would be taken.
“The Government has made it very clear that the Dean and Vice-Principal will be held responsible for any incident of ragging,” Dr. Kumaran said. “We have asked teachers to interact closely with the students after the classes to know if they experience any discomfort in the hostel or whether they are being ragged,” he said. “We have also planned surprise checks in hostels,” he said.
