Gandhi statue in London vandalised, Indian mission strongly condemns violent act

The High Commission of India has strongly condemned the vandalism of Mahatma Gandhi’s statue at Tavistock Square in London on Monday (September 29, 2025), simply days earlier than the annual Gandhi Jayanti celebrations are scheduled to be held on the web site on October 2.

The plinth of the enduring statue, which depicts the Father of the Nation in a seated meditative pose, was found daubed with some disturbing graffiti. The Indian mission stated it has reported the desecration to the native authorities, whilst its officers are on the web site to coordinate the restoration of the monument to its unique state.

“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,” the Indian High Commission in London stated in a press release on social media.

“This isn’t just vandalism, however a violent assault on the concept of non-violence, three days earlier than the International Day of Non-Violence, and on the legacy of the Mahatma. We have taken this up strongly with native authorities for instant motion, and our workforce is already on web site, coordinating with authorities to revive the statue to its unique dignity,” it acknowledged.

Gandhi Jayanti, designated as International Day of Non-Violence by the United Nations, is commemorated with floral tributes and Gandhiji’s favorite bhajans on the monument in London yearly on October 2.

The bronze statue, created with the backing of the India League, was unveiled in 1968 on the sq. as a nod to Mahatma Gandhi’s days as a regulation scholar on the close by University College London. The inscription on the plinth reads: “Mahatma Gandhi, 1869-1948”.

The Metropolitan Police and the native Camden Council authorities stated they’re trying into reviews of vandalism.