Jadavpur University V-C urges students to shift protests from walls to social media

Jadavpur University Vice-Chancellor Chiranjib Bhattacharya has issued an open appeal to students and faculty, urging them to refrain from writing slogans on campus walls and instead use social media platforms to voice their opinions.

In his letter, Bhattacharya acknowledged the university's long-standing culture of free thought and expression, but stressed the need to balance this tradition with maintaining a clean and peaceful campus environment. He clarified that his suggestion is not intended to curb freedom of speech, but to protect the university's heritage and aesthetic appeal.

The appeal follows a directive from West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who last week ordered the removal of what he termed "anti-national" graffiti from the campus. Authorities subsequently whitewashed walls bearing slogans such as "Red salute to Kishenji" and "Kashmir wants freedom," though fresh graffiti has reportedly reappeared since.

Kishenji was a senior Maoist leader killed in an encounter with police in 2011. Adhikari had described the wall writings as "garbage," arguing they were inappropriate for an institution of Jadavpur University's standing.

Bhattacharya said students should be encouraged to express themselves more on digital platforms, while ensuring the physical campus remains conducive to academic life.