“Way of Showing Respect”: SN Medical College Jodhpur Principal Defends Lining Up Juniors

A massive controversy has erupted at Dr. SN Medical College in Jodhpur after a local newspaper exposed what appears to be a clear case of ragging, which the college administration is bizarrely defending as a “tradition of respect.”

What Happened in Park-97?

According to the investigative report by Dainik Bhaskar, seniors from the 2024 batch called junior students from the newly admitted 2025 batch to “Park-97” on the college campus. The juniors were made to stand in a strict line while seniors conducted “questioning.”

An anti-ragging committee member (who is also a reporter for the newspaper) witnessed the scene and intervened. The seniors claimed they were holding a cultural meeting for an upcoming Ambedkar Jayanti program. However, their official written permission only allowed them to use Lecture Theater-5, with no mention of gathering juniors in the park.

The Administration’s Bizarre Defense

The most shocking part of the report is the blatant denial by the college administration. When confronted, the Principal of SN Medical College, Dr. B.S. Jodha, flatly denied that any ragging took place.

When asked why juniors were being made to stand in a line for questioning, Dr. Jodha told the newspaper: “There are many forms of respect among our doctors. Under this, everyone was standing and talking to each other.”

A Clear Violation of NMC Guidelines

Despite the Principal’s dismissal, the newspaper rightly points out that the National Medical Commission (NMC) has strict definitions of ragging. According to the NMC, any conduct—whether verbal or physical—that causes psychological harm, fear, apprehension, or shame to a junior student is legally classified as ragging. Forcing juniors to line up in a park for “interrogation” under the guise of an extracurricular activity fits this description perfectly.

The report also highlights a troubling history at the institution, noting previous ragging complaints registered in November 2024, August 2025, and January 2026.