Mahatma Gandhi's Statue in London Vandalized Days Before Gandhi Jayanti Celebrations

Mahatma Gandhi's statue in London's Tavistock Square was vandalized on Monday, just days before the annual Gandhi Jayanti celebrations scheduled for October 2. The High Commission of India has strongly condemned this act, describing it as shameful and an attack on the legacy of nonviolence.

The Indian mission reported on X that they had informed local authorities about the desecration while officials coordinated to restore the monument to its original condition.

The plinth of the iconic statue, which shows the Father of the Nation in a seated meditative pose, was discovered with disturbing anti-India graffiti.

"The High Commission of India in London is deeply saddened and strongly condemns the shameful act of vandalism of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Tavistock Square in London," stated the High Commission in their official statement.

They further emphasized: "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. We have taken this up strongly with local authorities for immediate action, and our team is already on site, coordinating with authorities to restore the statue to its original dignity."

The Metropolitan Police and Camden Council authorities have confirmed they are investigating the reported vandalism.

Gandhi Jayanti, recognized as the International Day of Non-Violence by the United Nations, is annually commemorated at this London monument on October 2 with floral tributes and performances of Mahatma Gandhi's favorite bhajans.

The bronze statue was sculpted by artist Fredda Brilliant with support from the India League and unveiled in 1968 at Tavistock Square, acknowledging Mahatma Gandhi's time as a law student at the nearby University College London. The plinth bears the inscription: "Mahatma Gandhi, 1869-1948".

Over time, several peace memorials have been added around the statue, including a cherry tree commemorating Hiroshima bombing victims, a field maple planted in 1986 marking the United Nations' International Year of Peace, and a 1995 granite memorial honoring conscientious objectors. These additions have earned Tavistock Square its reputation as London's "peace park".