An iconic statue of Mahatma Gandhi was vandalised in London on Monday, just days before the Indian freedom fighter’s birth anniversary, which falls on October 2.
The plinth of the statue in London's Tavistock Square was defaced with some graffiti, as was seen in some pictures circulating on social media.
The Indian High Commission in the United Kingdom reacted strongly to the desecration, calling it a “violent attack on the idea of non-violence”. It also said it has 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.”
“@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,” it added.
The local authorities have said they are looking into the matter.
The bronze statue was unveiled at London’s Tavistock Square in 1968 with the backing of the India League. The inscription on the plinth reads, “Mahatma Gandhi, 1869-1948”. Gandhi had studied law at the nearby University College London in 1888 before returning to India to practice as a lawyer.
Each year, on his death anniversary, floral tributes are offered at the statue.
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The UK, along with other countries like the US and Australia, has recently seen a spurt in anti-immigration protests and violence against immigrants, especially those of Indian descent.
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