Items belonging to Mahatma Gandhi that were auction in NY, are set to go back to the people of India

A pair of round eye glasses, a pocket watch, leather scandals, plate and bowl all belonging to world icon Mahatma Gandhi, were auctioned off today even after protest from India and the seller, James Otis.

Otis’ decision to withdraw the items from the Antiquorum auction house in New York, came after the bidding had already begun and sold for $1.8 million.

The bidder of Gandhi’s personal items was an Indian businessman, who promised to return the items to his people.

“I am sure all Indians will be pleased that these Gandhi items will be coming home,” said Tony Bedi, the person who bid on behalf of businessman VJ Mallya. “He was basically bidding for the country.”

The announcement of the items being put up for auction had led to an uproar in India, with one minister calling it a “gross commercialization.” 

“Gandhi himself would not have agreed to these conditions,” India’s Junior Foreign Minister said.  “Gandhi’s memory and values should not be violated; the auction should not take place.”

According to the BBC News, the plate and bowl that were auctioned are the ones that Gandhi ate his last meal on before he was murdered.

The Sandals he made with his own hands and bestowed them upon a British army officer, who had taken pictures during his halt in Aden when he was on his way to London.

Indira Gandhi gave him the Zenith watch before she became the Prime Minister of India.

Mr. Otis is a peace activist who said he wanted to sell the items to raise money to promote pacifism.