Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Jadavpur University Emblem Damaged Amid Campus Group Clash
Jadavpur University has a special symbol showing a lamp surrounded by lotus petals.
The symbol was designed by artist Nandalal Bose in 1955.
On Thursday, the lotus part of the symbol was pulled off near Gate No.
4.
Some professors and former students said supporters of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad did it.
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad said it was not responsible.
Its members blamed outsiders linked to the Students’ Federation of India and Democratic Students’ Federation.
The disagreement happened during a conflict over a student union meeting.
Student elections at the university have not been held for six years.
The lotus frame around Jadavpur University’s three-flamed lamp emblem was ripped off outside Gate No. 4 on Thursday.
The emblem was designed by renowned painter Nandalal Bose in 1955, when the university was established.
Professors and former students alleged that supporters of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad damaged the emblem.
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad denied involvement and blamed outsiders from the Students’ Federation of India and Democratic Students’ Federation.
The dispute followed a general body meeting called by the Faculty of Engineering and Technology Students’ Union amid six years without student elections.
- Who
- Jadavpur University students and groups including the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, Students’ Federation of India, and Democratic Students’ Federation were involved in the dispute; professors and former students also responded.
- What
- The lotus frame surrounding Jadavpur University’s emblem was ripped off during an attempted campus entry, with responsibility disputed.
- When
- Thursday; the articles do not provide a specific date.
- Where
- Outside Gate No. 4 of Jadavpur University.
- Why
- The incident occurred amid a dispute over a general body meeting called by the Faculty of Engineering and Technology Students’ Union and competing claims about student-union representation.
Critics’ Account
Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad’s Account
Responsibility for the damage
Critics’ Account
Professors and former students said Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad supporters defiled or destroyed the historic emblem while attempting to enter the campus.
Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad’s Account
Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad leaders denied involvement and said outsiders from the Students’ Federation of India and Democratic Students’ Federation broke the gate and damaged the emblem.
What happened during the confrontation
Critics’ Account
Critics described the incident as an attack on the university’s historic symbol and ethos.
Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad’s Account
Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad representatives said their members were victims who had been beaten and that the organization was being maligned.
Cause of the dispute
Critics’ Account
The article links the incident to a general body meeting called by the Faculty of Engineering and Technology Students’ Union amid a wider campus conflict.
Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad’s Account
Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad claimed Left supporters were attempting to constitute the union unilaterally because elected student representatives had been absent for six years.
- Emblem design
- Designed by Nandalal Bose.
- Design year
- 1955, the year Jadavpur University was established.
- Symbolism
- The lamp’s three flames represent intellectual training, emotions and imagination, and spiritual development; the lotus petals represent fine arts and culture.
- Damage reported
- The lotus frame was found on the ground outside Gate No. 4 on Thursday.
- Allegation
- Professors and former students alleged that Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad supporters damaged the emblem.
- Denial
- Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad leaders denied involvement and blamed outsiders from the Students’ Federation of India and Democratic Students’ Federation.
- Student elections
- Student polls at Jadavpur University have been stalled for six years, according to the article.