The High Commission of India has condemned the vandalism of Mahatma Gandhi’s statue at Tavistock Square in London, just days ahead of the annual Gandhi Jayanti celebrations on October 2. The plinth of the bronze statue, which shows Gandhi in a seated meditative pose, was found defaced with graffiti.
In a statement, the Indian High Commission said, “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. 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.”
Officials from the mission are on site coordinating with local authorities to restore the statue. Gandhi Jayanti, also observed as the International Day of Non-Violence by the United Nations, is marked annually at Tavistock Square with floral tributes and Gandhiji’s favourite bhajans.
The bronze statue, unveiled in 1968 with support from the India League, commemorates Gandhi’s time as a law student at nearby University College London. The plinth bears the inscription: “Mahatma Gandhi, 1869-1948.” The Metropolitan Police and Camden Council are investigating the incident.
