Mahatma Gandhi Statue in London Defaced Ahead of Gandhi Jayanti, India Condemns “Shameful Act”

London: Just days before Gandhi Jayanti and the UN-designated International Day of Non-Violence on October 2, the iconic statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Tavistock Square, London, was found defaced with anti-India graffiti on Monday.

The High Commission of India in London strongly condemned the incident, calling it a “shameful act” and “an assault on the legacy of non-violence.” In a post on X, the mission said the desecration had been reported to local authorities, while its officials were on-site to coordinate immediate restoration of the monument.

“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 mission noted in a statement.

Local authorities, including the Metropolitan Police and Camden Council, have confirmed that investigations into the vandalism are underway.

Gandhi Jayanti Celebrations at Risk

Every year on October 2, the site hosts commemorations with floral tributes and Gandhi’s favourite bhajans, marking his birth anniversary as well as the International Day of Non-Violence. The defacement has cast a shadow over this year’s upcoming celebrations.

About the Statue

• Sculpted by Fredda Brilliant, with the support of the India League.

• Installed in 1968 at Tavistock Square.

• Depicts Mahatma Gandhi in a seated meditative posture.

• The plinth bears the inscription: “Mahatma Gandhi, 1869–1948.”

• The statue honours Gandhi’s days as a law student at University College London, located nearby.