(Image source from: Outlookindia.com)

Mahatma Gandhi's statue located in Tavistock Square, London, was damaged on Monday, just a few days before the yearly Gandhi Jayanti events that are set to happen at the location on October 2. The Indian High Commission has strongly denounced this act, describing it as a "shameful act" and an attack on the message of nonviolence. In a message posted on X, the Indian mission stated that the defacement was reported to local police, while their representatives were present to help restore the statue to its original condition. The base of the famous statue, which portrays Mahatma Gandhi, known as the Father of the Nation, sitting in a meditative posture, was found with upsetting anti-India graffiti smeared on it. "The High Commission of India in London feels very saddened and strongly condemns the disgraceful vandalism of the Mahatma Gandhi statue at Tavistock Square in London," the High Commission mentioned in a statement.

“This is not only vandalism; it is a violent attack on the principle of non-violence, occurring just three days before the International Day of Non-Violence, and on Mahatma's legacy. We have addressed this issue firmly with local authorities for prompt action, and our team is already there, working with authorities to bring the statue back to its original honor,” it continued. The Metropolitan Police and the Camden Council have announced they are looking into the reports of vandalism. Gandhi Jayanti, recognized as the International Day of Non-Violence by the United Nations, is celebrated with flower offerings and the favorite bhajans of the Father of the Nation at the statue in London every year on October 2. The bronze statue, crafted by artist Fredda Brilliant and supported by the India League, was revealed in 1968 in the square to honor Mahatma Gandhi's time as a law student at the nearby University College London. The inscription on its base states: "Mahatma Gandhi, 1869-1948".

Later, several peace memorials were added nearby, including a cherry tree planted in honor of the Hiroshima bombing victims, a field maple planted in 1986 to celebrate the United Nations' International Year of Peace, and a granite memorial revealed in 1995 to pay tribute to conscientious objectors. Because of these features, Tavistock Square became known as London’s "peace park."