Iconic bronze statue defaced with anti-India graffiti in Tavistock Square, just days before International Day of Non-Violence
Gandhi Statue Defaced in London’s Tavistock Square
In a disturbing act of vandalism, the statue of Mahatma Gandhi located in Tavistock Square, London, was defaced with anti-India graffiti on Monday, just days before the Gandhi Jayanti celebrations on October 2 — a day also marked globally as the International Day of Non-Violence.
India Reacts Strongly:
The High Commission of India in London condemned the act, calling it:
“A shameful act of vandalism… and a violent attack on the idea of non-violence.”
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the mission confirmed:
- It has reported the incident to local authorities.
- Its team is on-site coordinating restoration of the monument.
- Immediate action has been demanded from UK officials.
tatue Symbolizes Peace & Gandhi’s Legacy
- The statue, sculpted by Fredda Brilliant, was unveiled in 1968.
- It depicts Mahatma Gandhi in a seated meditative pose, commemorating his time as a law student at University College London.
- The inscription reads: “Mahatma Gandhi, 1869–1948”.
Tavistock Square – London’s “Peace Park”
The site is more than just a location for Gandhi’s statue. Tavistock Square has become synonymous with peace, housing:
- A cherry tree in memory of Hiroshima victims
- A field maple marking the 1986 UN International Year of Peace
- A granite memorial honouring conscientious objectors
These installations have earned it the title of London’s “peace park”.
Authorities Respond
- The Metropolitan Police and Camden Council are investigating the vandalism.
- The act has raised concerns about the safety of cultural and historical monuments ahead of global peace commemorations.
Gandhi Jayanti: A Day of Non-Violence
Every year on October 2, the statue becomes the focal point of:
- Floral tributes
- Recitations of Gandhi’s favourite bhajans
- Peaceful gatherings by members of the Indian community and global peace activists
