The Indian High Commission in London has issued a strong condemnation following the vandalism of Mahatma Gandhi's statue at Tavistock Square, describing the incident as a "shameful act" and an assault on the principles of nonviolence. The statue, which has served as a symbol of peace for over half a century, was defaced by unidentified individuals just three days before the International Day of Nonviolence.
In an official statement posted on social media platform X, the Indian diplomatic mission characterized the vandalism as more than mere property damage. "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 declared. The timing of the attack has added particular significance to the incident, occurring so close to October 2nd, which marks the International Day of Nonviolence.
The High Commission has taken immediate diplomatic action regarding the incident. Officials confirmed that they have "taken up the matter strongly with local authorities and urged immediate action." A team from the commission has already visited the site and is actively coordinating with British officials to ensure the statue is restored to its original condition and dignity. The diplomatic mission emphasized the urgency of addressing this desecration of an important cultural and historical symbol.
The Gandhi statue at Tavistock Square holds deep historical significance, having stood as a beacon of peace and resilience for more than fifty years. The bronze sculpture was created by artist Fredda Brilliant and was officially unveiled on May 17, 1968, by then-British Prime Minister Harold Wilson. The statue depicts Gandhi in a characteristic meditative seated pose, reflecting his philosophy of peaceful resistance and spiritual contemplation.
Tavistock Square has earned recognition as "London's peace park" due to the collection of memorials housed there. According to a 2005 article in the Economic and Political Weekly, the Gandhi statue was later joined by several other peace monuments that collectively transformed the space into a unique memorial site. These additions include a cherry tree planted to commemorate the victims of the Hiroshima atomic bombing, demonstrating the square's role in remembering victims of violence and promoting peace.
The peace theme of Tavistock Square was further enhanced in 1986 when the League of Jewish Women planted a field maple to mark the United Nations International Year of Peace. Nearly a decade later, in 1995, renowned composer Michael Tippett unveiled a granite memorial specifically dedicated to conscientious objectors who refused to participate in warfare based on moral or religious grounds. These diverse monuments have created a comprehensive tribute to various aspects of the peace movement.
The Gandhi statue has played a notable role in Indian cultural representation beyond its physical presence in London. During the 1970s and 1980s, the image of Gandhi's seated figure from this very statue was regularly used by Doordarshan, India's state broadcaster, as the visual identifier for its news bulletins. This usage helped establish the statue as an iconic representation of Gandhi's legacy that reached millions of viewers across India.
The location of Tavistock Square adds another layer of historical connection to Gandhi's legacy. The square is situated near University College London, which proudly lists Mahatma Gandhi among its distinguished alumni. Gandhi studied law at UCL during his formative years in London, making the vandalism particularly poignant given its proximity to where the future independence leader received his education. This geographical connection underscores the deep historical ties between Gandhi and London, making the statue's desecration all the more significant for both Indian and British communities who value this shared heritage.
