FISI UK is deeply saddened and strongly condemns the recent act of vandalism at the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Tavistock Square, London. This is not merely an act of physical damage; it is a direct affront to the principles of nonviolence, peace, and mutual respect that Mahatma Gandhi embodied. The timing, occurring just days before the International Day of Nonviolence and Gandhi’s birth anniversary, heightens the gravity of this incident.
Gandhi’s philosophy was based on universal compassion, inclusion, and the relentless pursuit of justice through peaceful means. The defacement of his memorial is therefore not just an attack on a statue, but an attack on his legacy and on the values he stood for. We believe such acts cannot be dismissed as random vandalism, they risk undermining communal harmony and tarnishing the memory of a figure revered across nations, faiths, and communities.
We applaud the Indian High Commission in London for its prompt response and coordination with local authorities to restore the statue and preserve its dignity. As a community dedicated to promoting Indian heritage, unity, and social harmony, FISI UK stands in solidarity with all those who are appalled by this act.
Let this incident serve as a reminder of our collective responsibility; to protect the symbols of peace, to resist hatred and intolerance, and to continue advocating for justice through dialogue, compassion, and nonviolent action.