Clash at Jadavpur University shatters historic emblem amid ABVP protest

On Thursday afternoon, members of the ABVP scaled gate 4 of Jadavpur University in Kolkata, trying to break it open and in the process snapping the lotus ring that encircles the institution’s emblem, originally designed by modern-art pioneer Nandalal Bose. The emblem’s three flames represent intellectual, emotional and spiritual development, while the lotus petals symbolize philosophy, fine arts and culture. Bengali department professor Rajyeswar Sinha described the damage as a grave insult to the university’s legacy and India’s freedom struggle, and English department professor Abhijit Gupta recounted that the protesters also hurled sticks, bricks, eggs and water bottles.

After the incident, alleged outsider goons and right-wing activists entered the campus, tearing down left-wing flags and posters and attempting to erase graffiti that criticized patriarchy and inequality. Engineering student Aliv Das noted that the vandals specifically targeted a mural featuring a swastika-bearing figure with the slogan “Break Fascism with Red.” The episode highlights escalating tensions between student political groups on campus.