Home / Crime and Justice / Iconic Gandhi Statue in London Targeted by Vandals, Authorities Vow Restoration
Iconic Gandhi Statue in London Targeted by Vandals, Authorities Vow Restoration
30 Sep, 2025
Summary
- Mahatma Gandhi's statue in London vandalized days before annual celebrations
- Disturbing graffiti found on the plinth of the iconic statue
- Indian High Commission condemns the "violent attack on the idea of non-violence"
On September 29, 2025, just three days before the annual Gandhi Jayanti celebrations, the bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi in London's Tavistock Square was discovered to have been vandalized. The plinth of the iconic statue, which depicts the Father of the Nation in a seated meditative pose, was found to be daubed with disturbing graffiti.
The High Commission of India in London has strongly condemned the "shameful act of vandalism" and described it as a "violent attack on the idea of non-violence." The Indian mission has reported the desecration to the local authorities and has a team on-site coordinating with them to restore the statue to its original dignity.
Gandhi Jayanti, designated as the International Day of Non-Violence by the United Nations, is commemorated with floral tributes and Gandhiji's favorite bhajans at the monument in London every year on October 2. The bronze statue, created with the backing of the India League, was unveiled in 1968 as a nod to Mahatma Gandhi's days as a law student at the nearby University College London.
The Metropolitan Police and the local Camden Council authorities have stated that they are looking into the reports of vandalism and are committed to ensuring the restoration of the statue.
