The Indian High Commission in London condemned the vandalism of Mahatma Gandhi’s statue at Tavistock Square, calling it a “shameful act" and an assault on the legacy of nonviolence.
In a statement on X, the mission said the attack was not merely damage to property but “a violent attack on the idea of nonviolence, three days before the International Day of Nonviolence, and on the legacy of the Mahatma."
The High Commission added that it has taken up the matter strongly with local authorities and urged immediate action. Its team has already reached the site and is coordinating with officials to ensure the statue is restored “to its original dignity."
The Gandhi statue at Tavistock Square has stood for over 50 years as a symbol of peace and resilience. Sculpted by artist Fredda Brilliant, it was unveiled on May 17, 1968, by then British Prime Minister Harold Wilson to commemorate the 125th anniversary of Gandhi’s birth.
“@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," the High Commission tweeted.
The statue portrays Gandhi seated in a meditative pose. For many years, particularly during the 1970s and 1980s, this image of Gandhi was also used by Doordarshan as a visual identifier for its news bulletins.
Tavistock Square, located near University College London, which counts Gandhi among its alumni, has become known as London’s “peace park,” with additional memorials including a cherry tree in memory of Hiroshima bombing victims, a field maple planted by the League of Jewish Women in 1986, and a granite memorial unveiled in 1995 to honor conscientious objectors.
The vandalism comes just three days before Gandhi Jayanti on October 2, also observed as the International Day of Nonviolence. Gandhi, born on October 2, 1869, led India’s struggle for independence through nonviolent resistance and is revered as the Father of the Nation.
The High Commission emphasized its actions: "@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."
Earlier this year, in March, pro-Khalistani protesters demonstrated during External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's visit to the UK near Chatham House. Holding flags and speakers, they chanted slogans outside the building. India strongly condemned the incident, describing it as “provocative activities” by extremists who misused democratic freedoms.
An MEA spokesperson said: “We have seen the footage of a breach of security during the visit of EAM to the UK. We condemn the provocative activities of this small group of separatists and extremists. We deplore the misuse of democratic freedoms by such elements and expect the host government in such cases to fully live up to their diplomatic obligations."
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