Mahatma Gandhi's statue defaced in London before Oct 2: Indian High Commission condemns "shameful act"

Just days before Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary, a statue of the "Father of the Nation" was vandalised in London's Tavistock Square, drawing strong condemnation from the Indian High Commission in the city. 

The statue was defaced just three days before the Gandhi Jayanti celebrations scheduled to take place at the place on October 2. According to PTI, the plinth of Gandhi's statue was defaced with some graffiti, as shown in pictures surfacing on social media. 

Responding to the incident, the Indian High Commission in the United Kingdom called it a "violent attack on the idea of non-violence." It added that they have taken up the matter with the local authorities, and they are working to restore the statue to its "original dignity".

Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary on October 2 is also celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence. 

Posting on X, the Indian High Commission in London wrote, "@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 act on the idea of non-violence, three days before the International Day of Non-violence, and on the legacy of the Mahatma." 

@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,…

— India in the UK (@HCI_London) September 29, 2025

Further, "@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." 

The local authorities have stated that they are looking into the matter. 

Every year, Gandhi Jayanti is commemorated at the statue in London. People pay floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. According to a PTI report, the bronze statue was built with the backing of the India League and was unveiled in 1968 at Tavistock Square in London. An inscription on the plinth reads, "Mahatma Gandhi, 1869-1948." Mahatma Gandhi had studied law at the University College nearby.