A statue of Mahatma Gandhi located in London’s Tavistock Square was defaced with graffiti mere days before his birth anniversary, a day celebrated globally as the International Day of Non-violence.
The incident, which occurred shortly before the planned Gandhi Jayanti commemorations at the site on October 2, has drawn strong condemnation from the Indian High Commission in London. Pictures circulating on social media show the plinth of the statue bearing graffiti. While HT.com could not independently verify the authenticity of these images, the Indian High Commission stated it has taken up the matter with local authorities.
In a statement on X, the High Commission expressed deep sadness and strong condemnation, labeling the act as “not just vandalism, but a violent attack on the idea of nonviolence, three days before the international day of nonviolence, and on the legacy of the Mahatma.” They confirmed their team is on site, working with authorities to restore the statue’s dignity.
Local authorities are reportedly investigating the incident. The bronze statue, inscribed with “Mahatma Gandhi, 1869-1948,” was erected in 1968, a testament to Gandhi’s time studying law nearby at University College London. Tavistock Square annually hosts floral tributes to commemorate Gandhi Jayanti.