New Delhi, Apr 14: President Pratibha Devisingh Patil on Tuesday expressed serious concern over the rising cases of ragging in educational institutions.

In a statement issued here, Patil urged senior students to act responsibly towards their juniors. She stated that senior students should make their juniors feel comfortable in the educational environment.

Concerned over the recent ragging incidents, which have led to grave apprehensions in the minds of students regarding their safety in college premises, Patil asked the state governments to enforce appropriate legislation to deal with ragging in colleges and universities.

She told the authorities to be observant and strict against those involved in ragging.

Patil said that the universities and colleges are centres of learning and for developing friendship and mutual understanding and not for unethical ragging activities.

"Their (educational institutions) sanctity cannot be vitiated year after year at the start of an academic season by those who indulge in mindless ragging," she said. (ANI)