Presidency University expels two students for defacing Vivekananda poster

Presidency University in Kolkata has taken disciplinary action against two students following the defacement of a poster depicting Swami Vivekananda, the 19th-century Hindu monk and philosopher revered across India. The university's administrative authorities determined that the incident warranted expulsion, the most severe penalty available under institutional conduct regulations.

The expelled students have been prohibited from engaging in any academic activities at the university going forward. The action reflects the institution's commitment to maintaining campus discipline and respect for cultural and historical figures significant to India's intellectual heritage.

Swami Vivekananda remains a towering figure in Indian history and is particularly honored at educational institutions across the country. Presidency University, founded in 1817, has historically maintained strict codes of conduct for its student body. The university's decision to impose expulsion underscores the gravity with which it treats acts of vandalism and disrespect on campus.

The incident comes amid broader discussions in Indian academic circles regarding student conduct, institutional discipline, and the preservation of campus culture. University administrators have not released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the poster's defacement or the specific nature of the vandalism.