Paranormal Society founder Gaurav Tiwari’s sudden death at his home in Delhi has revived many discussions on various platforms. The subject of ghosts, poltergeists and related phenomena has always interested a lot of people, we ask students their take on whether negative energies or ghosts exist. 

Ghosts may not exist, but people with negative intentions and attitude are enough to create bad vibes. 

Shubha Rajyam, class VIII, Frank Anthony Public School, Bengaluru

Every good force needs something to defend against, an opposing force. I believe that negative energy does exist, not necessarily in ghosts and evil spirits but in a form that we may have created for ourselves, just like the superstitions of God. 

Smeraa Reet Varma, class IX, Delhi Public School Whitefield, Bengaluru

Everyone has wondered at one point or another in their lives, regardless of their age, whether ghosts exist. The concept of ghosts has been virtually omnipresent since eons, however there are numerous theories supporting their existence and vice versa. Despite several first-hand accounts of ghost-interactions, there is a great chance that they do not exist. In cognitive science, there is a concept known as confirmation bias in which people confirm their preexisting beliefs from their accounts, which often leads to biased perspectives of a particular subject. There is a good chance that confirmation bias leads many individuals to believe in ghosts, and the beliefs only strengthen over time. There are various factors that interplay in materialising such beliefs. Nevertheless, there is always a possibility of ghosts existing due to the fact that we may not have the capabilities to detect them yet.

Pranay Shah, classX, Singapore International School, Mumbai

I personally do believe in negative energy, such as ghosts since I have had some experiences that cannot be termed 'natural'. I was a great believer of Gaurav Tiwari and his mysterious death took me by surprise. When I was a child I had a rather strange experience. One day when my parents were watching television in another room and I was sleeping in my bedroom, I felt a sudden pinch. I woke up with a start but when I looked around me there was no one to be found.

Ishani Pant, class XII, The Heritage School, Kolkata

I have always been afraid of the darkness and what lies within. So it is obvious that I do believe that there is something out there. I can’t say I am a believer of ghosts but I do believe that the souls of people who have not completed some kind of task or seek revenge still exist in this world of humans. But they will not cause any harm to people who haven't wronged them. Spirits of different people exist but they do not do any harm to us as they exist in a completely different world. 

Rhea Parameswaran, class IX, Sishu Griha School, Bengaluru

In a world that does not provide enough proof for the existence of god himself, I would  rather not say  ghosts and evil exists. There is no negative energy but only energy that is not positive enough. How often do you come across ghosts or spirits for that as a matter of fact in a day. In this world, even the 'good' has a shadow.

Tanya Singh, class XI, Bhavan Vidyalaya, Chandigarh

I do not believe in negative energy. I find it ridiculous that ghosts or evil spirits can exist. It actually arises unnecessary negative thinking in the minds of people. While I respect other people's ideologies,I also prefer believing in the pure, truthful elements of nature.

Neha Vasist, class X, NHVPS, Bengaluru

I don't really fear ghosts that much, but I do believe them somewhere. Wherever there's good, there will be evil, and as such, if there's God, there must be demons as well. Moreover, it isn't 'scientifically' proved that ghosts don't exist, so there is no reason to not believe in their existence. 

Harini M S, class XI, Nagarjuna Vidyaniketan, Bengaluru