The High Commission of India in London has strongly condemned the vandalism of the Mahatma Gandhi statue at Tavistock Square, just days before the annual Gandhi Jayanti celebrations scheduled for October 2.
The statue’s plinth, which carries the inscription “Mahatma Gandhi, 1869–1948”, was found defaced with disturbing graffiti on Monday. The statue, depicting Gandhi in a seated meditative posture, is a major symbol of peace and non-violence and attracts visitors year-round.
“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 Indian High Commission said in a statement shared on social media. The mission confirmed that the incident has been reported to local authorities and that its officials are already coordinating restoration efforts at the site.
Gandhi Jayanti, which is observed globally as the International Day of Non-Violence, is commemorated at the London monument every year with floral tributes and renditions of Gandhi’s favourite bhajans.
The bronze statue was unveiled in 1968 with the support of the India League, honouring Gandhi’s days as a law student at the nearby University College London.
The Metropolitan Police and Camden Council have confirmed that they are investigating the act of vandalism.
