London marks Gandhi Jayanti with floral tributes and favourite bhajans

Indian community members and local leaders marked Gandhi Jayanti in London with prayers and floral tributes. Speakers said his ideals of truth and non-violence remain vital in a divided, fast-changing world.London,Oct 2, 2026 17:04 ISTFloral tributes and Mahatma Gandhi's favourite bhajans marked the 157th Gandhi Jayanti celebrations in London on Friday, as members of the Indian community and local leaders gathered to remember his legacy.The observance began at Tavistock Square, where Indian High Commissioner to the UK P. Kumaran led the gathering, and concluded with floral tributes at the Gandhi statue in Parliament Square, continuing a long-standing tradition in the British capital.The event at Tavistock Square was attended by members of the India League, which had supported the installation of the statue over 50 years ago, and the mayor of Camden Council, the local authority that cares for the monument. Addressing the gathering, Kumaran said, "What makes Mahatma Gandhi's legacy so powerful is the simplicity of his principles, and the extraordinary courage with which he lived them." He added, "He showed that the pursuit of justice need not come at the cost of humanity, and that strength can be expressed through restraint, conviction, and compassion."Kumaran said, "At the heart of Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy was his belief in the power of service. His ideals of truth, non-violence, service, and human dignity remain relevant to every society seeking a more peaceful, inclusive, and just future." He also referred to Gandhiji's association with London as a student of law as part of the "shared history" between India and the UK. "Today, that relationship has evolved into a broad, multifaceted, and forward-looking partnership encompassing a number of areas. The Indian community in the United Kingdom is an important part of this relationship. Across generations, people of Indian origin have made an invaluable contribution to British society while maintaining strong and enduring connections with India," he said. Kumaran added, "As India looks towards building a Vikshat Bharat, a developed India, Mahatma Gandhi's ideals continue to provide an important moral compass." Alpesh Patel, President of India League, spoke about the continuing relevance of Gandhi's message in a time of technological change and artificial intelligence. "The hatred, the vitriol and the battle that's going on online is today's battle for independence, independence of our minds, to be freed from hatred," he said. Camden mayor Councillor Patricia Leman highlighted the values of "diversity and inclusion" that connect the area with Gandhiji, who is "revered across the world for his commitment to non-violence".The proceedings at Tavistock Square ended with a Buddhist peace prayer and renditions of 'Raghupati Raghav' and 'Vaishnava Jan', Gandhiji's favourite bhajans. The gathering then moved to Westminster for floral tributes at the Gandhi statue in Parliament Square, where the statue of Gandhiji in stride overlooks the House of Parliament. The London events brought together tribute, prayer and reflection, with speakers recalling Gandhi's principles and their relevance today before the customary floral homage in Parliament Square.With PTI Inputs- Ends