Just days ahead of Gandhi Jayanti, Mahatma Gandhi’s statue at Tavistock Square in London was vandalised.
The plinth of the iconic statue, depicting the Father of the Nation in a meditative seated pose, was defaced with disturbing graffiti, including the words “Terrorists” and “Gandhi, Modi and Hindustani [Indians]” spray-painted in black. Such an act not only disrespects a global symbol of peace and nonviolence but also undermines the values he stood for.
The Indian High Commission in the UK condemned the act as a “violent attack on the idea of nonviolence” and stated that it has raised the matter with local authorities while working to restore the statue to its “original dignity.”
This is not the first such incident in the UK; in 2014, a Gandhi statue in Leicester was similarly vandalised, and in recent years there have been campaigns in some areas calling for Gandhi’s statues to be removed.
The latest act of defacement also comes amid rising anti-immigration sentiment in Britain and ahead of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s expected visit to India, adding a politically sensitive dimension to the incident.
Gandhi Jayanti, commemorated as the International Day of Non-Violence by the United Nations, marks the birth anniversary of the father of India and is celebrated annually on October 2. Vandalising his statue just days before the occasion is a stark reminder of the disrespect and intolerance that persist against symbols of peace and unity.
Community outraged as Gandhi statue defaced in London
Every year on 2nd October, the High Commission of India in London commemorates Gandhi Jayanti at Tavistock Square Garden with a solemn programme. The event includes floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi’s statue, brief speeches, and the singing of his favourite Bhajans, attended by community members and leaders.
This year, however, the celebrations were overshadowed by the recent vandalisation of the statue. In response, the Indian High Commission issued a statement on X, saying: @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, and on the legacy of the Mahatma.”
“@HCI_London has 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,” it added.
Speaking to Asian Voice on behalf of India League, Alpesh Patel OBE said, “Gandhi’s statues around the UK represent British values. It is why they’re here. Those who vandalise the statue should leave the country. They do not belong in Britain. Whoever did this - their mother must weep they produced such cowards. Gandhi made them angry because he stood up and did not beg or plead or bend the knee or bow down. Anyone who holds the same values of whatever nationality or religion can say “I too am Hindustani.” He won. His values won. They always will. Don’t be angry. Keep the faith.”
It has been reported that the Metropolitan Police and Camden Council are investigating the incident of vandalism.
History of Mahatma Gandhi statue
A bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi by Fredda Brilliant was unveiled in 1968 at the centre of Tavistock Square, London, ahead of Gandhi’s centenary in 1969. Gandhi had studied law nearby at University College London from 1888 to 1891 before being called to the bar at the Inner Temple.
The statue depicts Gandhi in his later years, seated in a contemplative lotus position, with a shawl over his shoulder and his characteristic dhoti. Mounted on a rounded Portland stone plinth atop a square platform with four steps, it bears the inscription “Mahatma Gandhi, 1869–1948.”
Erected by the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Committee with support from the India League, it was unveiled on 17 May 1968 by British Prime Minister Harold Wilson, in the presence of India’s first post-independence High Commissioner V. K. Krishna Menon and then-current High Commissioner Shanti Swaroop Dhavan.
*Asian Voice has approached Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Camden Council for comments.
