Battle of emblems: JU logo, designed by Nandalal, damaged in campus clash

(From left) The damaged JU emblem, Nandalal Bose

KOLKATA: The battle on the Jadavpur University (JU) campus on Thursday was fought on several fronts — including over a political emblem and the university’s own emblem, designed by one of the pioneers of modern Indian art — Nandalal Bose.On Thursday afternoon, when ABVP supporters climbed atop gate 4 to enter the campus and tried to break open the gate, the outer ring of the JU emblem — a lotus — was broken.The JU emblem features three flames, signifying intellectual training, the cultivation and integration of emotion and imagination, and spiritual development. The lotus petals signify philosophy, fine arts and culture.ABVP supporters trampled on the metal lotus ring and threw it inside towards students and teachers gathered there. The emblem was designed by Nandalal Bose and, in the 1940s, a debate over it took place at Calcutta University.Holding the broken metal ring, Bengali department professor Rajyeswar Sinha said, “The university emblem is far more than a mere institutional logo. It is a sacred symbol upheld by our entire academic community, from teachers, students, staff to former students. Embedded in its design—through distinct symbols —is the profound legacy of India’s nationalism and our freedom struggle. To trample upon this emblem is not only a heinous offence against the institution but a direct assault on our national sentiment and history.”“No protest or struggle can justify the desecration of a symbol so deeply intertwined with our nation’s heritage. This act is an insult not just to the people of Jadavpur, but to the very freedom fighters who dreamt of and fought for the liberties we hold dear today. We condemn this profound disrespect,” Sinha added.English department professor Abhijit Gupta said, “I have taught at this university for almost three decades. Today, I had a new experience. Outsiders went on the rampage outside gate 4. They attempted to scale the gate and hurled sticks, bricks, eggs, and water bottles. Later, the university’s metal emblem was found lying broken.”On Thursday night, alleged outsider goons and Right-wing activists barged into the campus and tore flags and posters of Left organisations. They also tried to erase graffiti speaking of smashing patriarchy and equal rights.One such graffiti near World View featured the Nazi emblem of the ‘Swastika’ on a suited man and carried the words “Break Fascism with Red”. Engineering student Aliv Das said, “They chose to erase the graffiti that shows that they are against women, poor and equal rights.”