SRINAGAR: The statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Tavistock Square in London was vandalised, drawing sharp condemnation from the Indian High Commission, which described the incident as a “shameful act” and urged local authorities to take immediate action.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, the High Commission said, “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.”
@HCI_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 nonviolence, three days before the international day of nonviolence,…
— India in the UK (@HCI_London) September 29, 2025
Officials confirmed that the Commission had taken up the matter “strongly” with the British authorities and dispatched a team to the site to assist in restoring the statue. “Our team is already on site, coordinating with authorities to restore the statue to its original dignity,” the post read.
The incident comes just days before Gandhi Jayanti on October 2, which is globally marked as the International Day of Non-Violence. The timing has further heightened concerns, with Indian officials calling it an affront to Gandhi’s enduring message of peace and resistance through non-violent means.
The bronze statue, created by sculptor Fredda Brilliant, has stood in Tavistock Square since May 17, 1968, when it was unveiled by then British Prime Minister Harold Wilson. It was installed to commemorate the 125th anniversary of Gandhi’s birth.
Mahatma Gandhi, born on October 2, 1869, spearheaded India’s struggle for independence through non-violent civil disobedience and remains a global symbol of peace. He is widely revered as the Father of the Nation in India.
London police have not yet issued a formal statement regarding the vandalism or whether any arrests have been made.
