Days before Gandhi Jayanti celebrations on October 2, a statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Tavistock Square in London was vandalised and defaced with anti-India graffiti, sparking outrage in India.
The incident comes just ahead of Gandhi’s 156th birth anniversary, which also marks the International Day of Non-Violence, celebrated globally on October 2.
India has strongly condemned the act, with the Indian High Commission in the UK calling it a “shameful” attack and demanding swift action against those responsible.
In a statement on X, the High Commission said: “High Commission of India, London is deeply saddened and strongly condemns the shameful act of vandalism of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Tavistock Square in London.”
“This is not just vandalism, but a violent attack on the idea of non-violence, three days before the International Day of Non-Violence, and on the legacy of the Mahatma.”
The bronze statue, unveiled in 1968, honours Gandhi’s time as a law student at University College London. It has long stood as a symbol of peace and resilience in the heart of the city.
The High Commission has taken up the matter with the Metropolitan Police and local authorities, urging immediate action to identify and punish the perpetrators.
A team from the mission has also visited the site and is coordinating with local authorities for the restoration of the statue to its original dignity.