Just days before Gandhi Jayanti, a cowardly act of vandalism took place in London. On Monday, the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Tavistock Square was defaced with disturbing graffiti. The iconic monument, which portrays the Father of the Nation in a seated meditative posture, was found with markings on its plinth. The incident occurred ahead of the annual Gandhi Jayanti celebrations scheduled to be held at the site on October 2.

The High Commission of India strongly condemned the act and confirmed that it has reported the desecration to local authorities. Officials from the mission are currently at the site to assist with the restoration of the statue to its original state.

Expressing deep sadness over the incident, the Indian High Commission in London released a statement condemning the act. “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 Mahatma Gandhi. We have taken this up strongly with local authorities for immediate action, and our team is already on site, coordinating with authorities to restore the statue to its original dignity,” the mission said.

Significance of Gandhi Jayanti in London

Gandhi Jayanti, recognised by the United Nations as the International Day of Non-Violence, is celebrated annually on October 2 at Tavistock Square in London with floral tributes and Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite bhajans. The bronze statue, commissioned by the India League, was unveiled in 1968 to honour Gandhi’s time as a law student at nearby University College London.

The plinth bears the inscription: “Mahatma Gandhi, 1869-1948.” During the recent vandalism, graffiti containing the word “terrorist” was found on the statue. The Metropolitan Police and Camden Council have confirmed they are investigating the incident, while officials from the Indian High Commission are coordinating efforts to restore the monument to its original condition.