Ahead of Gandhi Jayanti, the statue of Mahatma Gandhi was vandalised in London

October 2 is celebrated as Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary and also the International Day of Nonviolence; however, the London Act has shaken Indians.

Ahead of Mahatma Gandhi birth anniversary on October 2, a statue of Mahatma Gandhi was vandalised in London. Gandhi Jayanti is commemorated every year at the statue in London’s Tavistock Square with floral tributes.

Statue of Mahatma Gandhi vandalised in London.

Just a few days ahead of October 2, a statue of Mahatma Gandhi was vandalised in London’s Tavistock Square. This has prompted strong condemnation from the Indian High Commission in London. It was vandalised a few days ahead of the Gandhi Jayanti celebrations, scheduled to take place at the site on October 2, as reported by the news agency PTI. The plinth of the statue was defaced with graffiti, as shown in some pictures circulating on social media.

The Indian High Commission calls it a ‘violent attack.’

The Indian High Commission in the United Kingdom called the incident a “violent attack on the idea of nonviolence.” It has also taken up the matter with local authorities and that they are working to restore the statue to its “original dignity.” In a post 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 attack on the idea of nonviolence, three days before the international day of nonviolence, and on the legacy of the Mahatma.”

It added, “@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.”