The Beyond the Joke session, organised by Mano Layam – Centre for Wellbeing, was an interactive student wellbeing programme focusing on ragging, bullying, healthy boundaries, consent and respectful peer interactions. Conducted for M.Sc. Cognitive Science and Language Technology (CSLT) students, the session provided an informal platform for students to reflect on everyday campus experiences, peer relationships and situations that may cause discomfort or harm.
The session began with a Relatedness Bingo icebreaker, which encouraged students to identify and discuss common experiences in peer interactions. The discussion explored themes including humour versus harm, intent versus impact, consent and personal boundaries, senior–junior power dynamics, bystander responsibility, online behaviour and available institutional support.
The interactive and discussion-based format encouraged students to openly share perspectives and reflect on experiences related to bullying, ragging, peer pressure and discomfort. The conversation also highlighted that power dynamics and boundary concerns can occur across different relationships and settings, extending beyond traditional senior–junior interactions.
The session concluded with a reflection and shared pledge promoting dignity, respect, safety and responsible bystander behaviour. The programme strengthened students’ awareness of healthy boundaries, consent and respectful interpersonal relationships while encouraging constructive action when witnessing inappropriate or harmful behaviour.
The initiative contributed to fostering a culture of respect, inclusion, psychological safety and student wellbeing on campus. By creating a safe space for dialogue and reflection, Beyond the Joke encouraged students to recognise their collective responsibility in building a campus environment where everyone feels safe, heard, respected and valued.
