Anti-Ragging Day and Anti-Ragging Week at Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy (AEMA) – 12th to 18th August 2024

Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy (AEMA) is a premier pre-sea maritime training institute affiliated with the Indian Maritime University (IMU). It offers courses in Nautical Science, Engineering, and Electrical disciplines for candidates aspiring to pursue a career in the Merchant Navy. The courses include Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS), Graduate Marine Engineering (GME) and Electro-Technical Officer (ETO).
These courses have durations of 12, 8, and 4 months respectively. Completing this training is a requirement under DGS guidelines to become a Merchant Navy officer in India.

Owned and established by the esteemed Anglo-Eastern Group, a globally recognized ship management company, AEMA is situated in a picturesque valley amid the Sahyadri hill ranges, along the banks of the Ulhas River, just a few kilometers from Karjat town in Maharashtra.

With around 400 cadets on the campus year-round, safety and wellbeing of these young cadets is our top priority and we at AEMA uphold a zero-tolerance stance towards ragging and hold this principle in the highest esteem.
Visitors to our campus will notice our strong commitment to the University Grants Commission (UGC)’s anti-ragging guidelines, as evidenced by the prominent display of anti-ragging posters throughout the premises.

Each year 12th August is designated as Anti-Ragging Day, followed by Anti-Ragging week from 12th to 18th August. At AEMA an induction programme was held on 12th August to observe this day, and cadets, faculty and staff members were in attendance.

The program began with an insightful opening address by Ms. Salini Krishnan, an English faculty member, who stressed that ragging is neither an icebreaker nor a badge of honor but instead relentless assault on a person’s dignity and well-being. Ragging undermines confidence, erodes self-worth, and leaves deep emotional scars on the victim that can last a lifetime. Ms. Krishnan concluded her address on an optimistic note, emphasizing that we have all gathered here because we pledge not to remain silent and that we hold the power to change the narrative and have the ability to create an environment of respect and empathy.

Soon after, Principal Mr. Tejinder P.S. Bhamra took the stage. His address focused on the initiatives and procedures in place at AEMA to prevent ragging. He informed the cadets about the Anti-Ragging Committee, announced its members, and spoke about the Anti-Ragging Squad. Reminding the senior cadets on how important their role is, he encouraged them to serve as role models for their juniors, helping them in their endeavors, showcasing strong leadership qualities.
The conclusion of Principal’s address was very powerful where he directed all cadets to rise and take an oath to prevent ragging. The whole auditorium resounded with the voice of all cadets in unison, that was a powerful scene to witness!

As the saying goes, “A picture is worth a thousand words”, to encourage the creativity of the college students, a poster-making competition was organized. These posters were displayed in the auditorium, and the prize winners were announced and awarded.

The anti-ragging posters were later shown on the electronic display board at the entrance of the academic block, allowing each passerby to view them and be reminded to remain vigilant about this issue.
The electronic display also showcased activities taking place throughout the week, keeping everyone informed about the events during Anti-Ragging Week.

During Anti-Ragging Week, videos from the website www.antiragging.in were broadcast and viewed by the cadets.
The auditorium induction event was well captured in photographs and videos, which were posted on the AEMA Instagram page (@aema_angloeastern). An Instagram reel showcasing the activities throughout the Anti-Ragging Week was made and posted on the official AEMA Instagram page and the principal’s address on Anti-Ragging Day was posted on the official AEMA website, aema.edu.in.

At Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy, we take immense pride in our impeccable record of zero ragging complaints and are dedicated to upholding this standard. We stand by and are fully committed to UGC’s guidelines on anti-ragging. Believing in providing quality education for maritime cadets, we will continue to deliver excellence and raise the standards of maritime education in India, while always prioritizing cadets’ well-being and safety!