6 hrs ago
Jadavpur VC Urges Students to Move Views From Walls Online
Jadavpur University’s vice-chancellor has asked students not to write messages on the campus walls.
He suggested that students use social media to share their opinions instead.
He said this is not meant to stop free speech.
He wants the university to keep its tradition of free thinking while also keeping the campus clean and peaceful.
The request came after controversial slogans were painted on university walls.
Officials removed some of the graffiti by painting over it.
New writings appeared afterward.
The chief minister said some slogans were not suitable for a major educational institution.
Jadavpur University Vice-Chancellor Chiranjib Bhattacharya urged restraint on campus wall writings.
Bhattacharya asked students to express their views on social media instead of painting graffiti.
He said the proposal was intended to protect the university’s heritage and environment, not curb free expression.
Authorities whitewashed controversial graffiti after West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari ordered removal of alleged anti-national slogans, but new graffiti reportedly appeared.
Adhikari criticised slogans including “Red salute to Kishenji” and “Kashmir wants freedom,” calling them objectionable and likening them to “garbage.”
- Who
- Jadavpur University Vice-Chancellor Chiranjib Bhattacharya and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
- What
- A call to limit campus wall graffiti and use social media for expressing views, following controversy over alleged anti-national slogans.
- Where
- Jadavpur University in Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
- When
- September 2, 2024; the chief minister’s criticism came the previous week.
- Why
- To balance democratic expression with preserving the university’s heritage, physical environment and academic atmosphere.
Free-expression emphasis
Campus-order emphasis
How students should express views
Free-expression emphasis
Jadavpur University’s long tradition of free thought and expression should be preserved, according to Bhattacharya.
Campus-order emphasis
Bhattacharya urged students to use social media rather than university walls, while maintaining that expression should not be curtailed.
Meaning of the graffiti controversy
Free-expression emphasis
The reported slogans appeared amid a broader debate over democratic expression on a university campus.
Campus-order emphasis
Adhikari described the slogans as objectionable and said such a culture had no place in a centre of excellence; Bhattacharya stressed cleanliness, peace and the academic atmosphere.
Key facts
- Institution
- Jadavpur University
- Vice-Chancellor
- Chiranjib Bhattacharya
- Official cited
- West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari
- Contested slogans
- “Red salute to Kishenji” and “Kashmir wants freedom”
- Action taken
- University authorities whitewashed controversial wall graffiti
- Subsequent development
- Fresh graffiti reportedly appeared on campus walls
- Suggested outlet
- Social media
Quotes
Chiranjib Bhattacharya
Vice-Chancellor of Jadavpur University
“Jadavpur University has a long tradition of free thought and expression. We must preserve this heritage while ensuring that the campus remains clean, peaceful and aesthetically pleasing,””
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Sources
Jadavpur VC Urges Students To Express Views On Social Media, Not Walls
Jadavpur University Graffiti Row: VC Chiranjib Bhattacharya Urges Restraint On Wall Writings, Asks Students To Use Social Media To Voice Views | Video
Jadavpur University VC calls for check on wall graffiti, asks students to air views on social media
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