Gandhi statue in London vandalised ahead of Gandhi Jayanti
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Mahatma Gandhi’s statue at Tavistock Square in London was defaced on Monday, just days before Gandhi Jayanti celebrations on October 2.
The incident has drawn strong condemnation from the High Commission of India, which described it as a “shameful act” and an attack on Gandhi’s legacy of nonviolence.
The statue, depicting Gandhi in a meditative seated pose, was found with disturbing anti-India graffiti on its plinth.
The High Commission of India in London expressed deep sadness and strongly condemned the vandalism of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Tavistock Square in London.
In a statement, the mission said it considered the incident not just an act of vandalism, but a violent attack on the idea of non-violence, occurring just three days before the International Day of Non-Violence, and on the legacy of the Mahatma. It added that the matter had been taken up strongly with local authorities for immediate action, and its team was already on site, coordinating efforts to restore the statue to its original dignity.
The High Commission confirmed that the desecration had been reported to the local authorities. Its officials were present at the site to oversee efforts to restore the monument.
The Metropolitan Police and Camden Council said they are investigating the vandalism.
Every year on October 2, Gandhi Jayanti is marked at the square with floral tributes and renditions of Gandhi’s favourite bhajans. The day is also observed globally as the International Day of Non-Violence, a designation made by the United Nations.
The bronze statue was created by artist Fredda Brilliant and unveiled in 1968 with support from the India League. It commemorates Gandhi’s time as a law student at the nearby University College London. The plinth bears the inscription: “Mahatma Gandhi, 1869–1948.”
Over the years, Tavistock Square evolved into a symbol of peace. A cherry tree was planted there in memory of the Hiroshima bombing victims. In 1986, a field maple was added to mark the UN’s International Year of Peace. Later, in 1995, a granite memorial was unveiled in honour of conscientious objectors. These additions earned the square its reputation as London’s “peace park.”