Jadavpur University, long regarded as a stronghold of communist influence, on Sunday, witnessed its first-ever ‘Ram Navami’ puja on campus. Despite the university authorities denying permission for the event, students affiliated with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) successfully conducted a peaceful worship ceremony featuring an idol of Lord Ram, marking a significant departure from past attempts marred by clashes.

For years, ABVP, a student organisation linked to the ‘Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’ (RSS) and the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP), has sought to hold ‘Ram Navami’ celebrations within the university premises. These efforts have historically met resistance, often escalating into confrontations with Left-leaning student groups.

However, this time, the puja proceeded without incident, surprising many given the campus’s politically charged atmosphere. Decorations adorned a section of the university, and the air resonated with chants like ‘Jay Sree Ram’, as students gathered to honour Lord Ram. A full fledged puja was performed inside the campus.

The event saw participants raising slogans such as “Hindu Hindu Bhai Bhai,” emphasising unity among Hindus, alongside calls advocating for a “Hindu Rashtra.” Despite the lack of official approval, no challenges disrupted the proceedings, a stark contrast to the tensions of previous years. Observers noted the calm ambiance, with one attendee describing it as “a moment of triumph for faith and harmony”.

“All we wanted to do was peacefully worship Lord Ram, and we did so. Jadavpur University is a free democratic space, and every stake holder has equal rights, and so, we exercised ours," said Somsurya Banerjee, a student from the university and one of the organising members.

The university administration had cited several reasons for withholding permission, including the absence of a Vice-Chancellor and a history of unrest during similar events. Authorities pointed to a prior clash in January 2024 over the Ayodhya Ram Temple consecration as a cautionary precedent. Yet, the students pressed forward, undeterred by the official stance. Critics of the administration highlighted perceived inconsistencies, noting that an Iftar event had been permitted earlier, fuelling debates over equal treatment of religious observances.

"The reason given by the university is absolutely unacceptable. Granting permission for a puja where the university's resources are not being used is very logistical in nature and the Registrar is well within his rights to grant the same, you don't need the Vice Chancellor or Pro-Vice Chancellor for that. Including one and all only strengthens the secular fabric of the university and the society at large," said Former Vice Chancellor, Buddhadev Shaw.

During the ‘Ram Navami’ celebrations, ABVP students at Jadavpur University took a bold step by masking the controversial ‘Azad Kashmir’ wall graffiti, a symbol that had sparked outrage for its perceived separatist undertones. They covered it with images of Sri Aurobindo Ghosh, the university’s namesake, alongside the Indian flag and a picture of Lord Ram, aligning with their nationalist agenda. The graffiti had long been a point of contention, with many condemning it as a divisive message.

Adding to the day’s unusual developments, the university gates were locked, and all students and visitors were required to submit their credentials for entry—a rare security measure. The university authorities had preemptively informed the police, who stationed officers near all gates to prevent any potential unrest, ensuring the event unfolded smoothly despite its unauthorised nature.

"We see Iftaar being celebrated on campus, the authority does not object to that. It's baffling that they dillydallied with out letter, and finally didn't grant the permission. The authorities should focus on increasing security surveillance on campus to prevent the issues of drinking, rather than curtailing the rights of a certain section of students to appease another," said Souvik Saha, 3rd year University student.

This unprecedented celebration comes amid broader discussions on cultural expression in West Bengal’s academic spaces and especially ahead of the 2026 state assembly elections. Jadavpur University has long been a battleground for ideological conflicts, with Leftist groups traditionally holding sway. The Ram puja may signal a shift, or at least a momentary truce, in this ongoing struggle. ABVP members hailed the event as a victory and vowed to continue with the tradition in the years to come.