Gandhi Statue in London Defaced Ahead of Jayanti, India Condemns Act

The bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Tavistock Square, a serene enclave near University College London, was vandalised early Monday morning, drawing sharp condemnation from Indian authorities just days before Gandhi Jayanti on October 2. Discovered daubed with anti-India graffiti on its plinth, the monument—depicting the leader in a seated meditative pose—has become a focal point of outrage, with the High Commission of India labelling the act a "violent attack on the idea of non-violence".

The incident unfolds amid rising global tensions over colonial legacies and free speech, but officials emphasise its timing as particularly provocative, occurring three days before the United Nations-designated International Day of Non-Violence. Local authorities, including the Metropolitan Police and Camden Council, have launched an investigation, reviewing CCTV footage from the bustling Bloomsbury area to identify suspects.

In a strongly worded statement on X, the High Commission expressed profound sadness, stating, "This is not just vandalism but a violent attack on the idea of non-violence..." 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." Indian diplomats were promptly dispatched to the square, where they assessed the damage alongside police. The graffiti, described as inflammatory slogans targeting India's sovereignty, was swiftly covered with protective sheeting to prevent further exposure.

This swift response echoes past diplomatic interventions, such as the 2023 restoration efforts following similar defacements amid debates on historical figures. The vandalism has sparked calls for enhanced security at diaspora monuments, highlighting vulnerabilities in multicultural hubs like London, home to over 200,000 Indian-origin residents.

Sculpted by Polish-American artist Fredda Brilliant with support from the India League, the statue was unveiled in 1968 to commemorate Gandhi's time as a law student at University College London from 1888 to 1891, where he honed early ideas on justice and equality. The inscription simply reads: "Mahatma Gandhi, 1869-1948," encapsulating his global legacy as a proponent of satyagraha.

Over the decades, Tavistock Square has evolved into London's "peace park", enriched by memorials including a cherry tree for Hiroshima victims (planted 1967), a field maple for the UN's 1986 International Year of Peace, and a 1995 granite stone honouring conscientious objectors from World War II. These elements transform the site into a symbol of reconciliation, attracting annual Gandhi Jayanti gatherings with floral tributes, bhajans, and interfaith prayers that draw hundreds, fostering cross-cultural dialogue in a city grappling with post-Brexit divisions.

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The desecration has elicited widespread reactions, from UK politicians decrying it as "unacceptable intolerance" to Indian expatriates organising a solidarity vigil for October 2. Social media buzzes with hashtags like #StandWithGandhi, amplifying voices from historians who view the act as an assault on universal values amid ongoing Khalistan-related protests in London. As restoration begins—estimated to cost under £5,000 and involve cleaning specialists—the episode serves as a stark reminder of Gandhi's enduring relevance in promoting peace. With Jayanti approaching, enhanced patrols are promised, ensuring the square remains a beacon of harmony rather than hate.

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