Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 15 Dec: A Crime Literature Festival session, “Unseen Wounds: The Real Impact of Bullying”. brought together former Principal of Welham Girls’ School Jyotsna Brar, Principal of Welham Boys’ School Sangeeta Kain, and author and visual artist Maanas Lal, in conversation with Ridhima Oberoi, for a deeply moving and necessary dialogue on one of the most pervasive issues affecting young people today.
A key takeaway from the session was the powerful reminder that punishment does not always equate to justice—and that, at times, the bully may be grappling with wounds as deep as those of the victim. Jyotsna Brar emphasised the urgent need for increased access to trained counsellors within schools, along with sustained sensitisation of teachers and staff to recognise early signs of distress and behavioural change.
Sangeeta Kain shed light on the distinct challenges faced by students in boarding schools, where the absence of daily family support can intensify feelings of isolation, compared to day scholars who return to a home environment each evening.
Adding a deeply personal dimension to the discussion, Maanas Lal spoke candidly about his own experience of being bullied, admitting that even revisiting that period of his life still makes his heart race—an honest testament to the long-lasting emotional impact of bullying.
The session concluded with Ridhima Oberoi’s unequivocal message, resonating strongly with the audience: bullying is not just harmful—it is simply “uncool”.
