In spite of last ditch efforts by James Otis to withdraw the items, the auction for Gandhi memorabilia went on schedule and Vijay Mallya of the United Breweries Group of India won them for a bid of $1.8 million.

Reacting to a statement of a minister in the Indian Government which said Mallya’s man was in touch with the Indian mission, he said he “acted on his own” to “bid for the country”.

News Source: The Hindu, print edition dated March 7, 2009

What a fitting action!

The owner of the Mahatma’s memorabilia, James Otis offered to donate them to India if the Indian Government declares or promises to allocate 5% of the GDP or equivalent welfare measures for the poor of the country.

The 5 items – sandals, a watch, rimmed glasses, a plate and a bowl – personal belongings of the Mahatma are proposed to be auctioned on March 5. 2 more items – a blood test report and a telegram – have also been added to the 5 up for auction.

-News source: The Hindu, print edition dated March 4, 2009.