'Vandalism act a black spot in Indian history'

Kolkata: The syndicate of Calcutta University on Thursday condemned the destruction of the bust of Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar on May 14 on the premises of Vidyasagar College, which is affiliated to the varsity.

Reading out the resolution for condemnation, the Vice-Chancellor of the Calcutta University Sonali Chakravarti Banerjee said: "The destruction of Vidyasagar's bust is a black spot in Indian history and the university community denounces this attack on our heritage." She further said the Vidyasagar College authorities had informed the university about the incident and the varsity had assured the college of all possible assistance to reconstruct of the bust of the great social reformer. Vice-Chancellors of state universities have expressed deep concern over the vandalism and wrecking of the bust of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar at the Vidyasagar College. The statement jointly issued by the Vice-Chancellors asserts that such incidents were destroying the sanctity of educational institutions and striking at the root of Bengal's eclectic cultural past.

"We express deep concern regarding the vandalism that was perpetrated on educational institutions in Kolkata and the wrecking of the bust of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar on the premises of Vidyasagar College on Tuesday evening," read the statement. "Vidyasagar symbolised the spirit of the Bengal Renaissance and pioneered the movement for the spread of education and women's empowerment."

The Vice-Chancellors urged that in the name of politics people should not tarnish the heritage of Bengal.