Vandalism at Gandhi Statue in London Days Before Gandhi Jayanti; Offensive Words Found

London (The Uttam Hindu): Just days ahead of Gandhi Jayanti (October 2) and International Day of Non-Violence, the iconic statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Tavistock Square, London, was vandalized. Unknown miscreants not only damaged the bronze statue, but also wrote offensive words on its pedestal, prompting strong condemnation from the Indian High Commission in London.

In an official statement, the High Commission expressed deep sorrow, calling the incident a violent attack on Gandhi’s legacy and the ideals of non-violence:

“We strongly condemn the vandalism of Mahatma Gandhi’s statue at Tavistock Square. This is not just an act of destruction but an assault on the very principles of non-violence, especially ahead of International Day of Non-Violence. We have raised the matter with local authorities for immediate action.”

Indian mission officials rushed to the site, coordinating with the Metropolitan Police and Camden Council to repair the statue and investigate the perpetrators.

The bronze statue, depicting Gandhi in a meditative pose, was unveiled in 1968 near the location where Gandhi studied law at University College London. Every year on October 2, the memorial is adorned with flowers, and Gandhi’s favorite bhajans are sung to mark his birth anniversary and the International Day of Non-Violence.

This incident has sparked outrage among the Indian diaspora in London and across social media, with calls for enhanced security for iconic cultural and historical monuments.