Frenzy over New York auction of Gandhi items - 06 Mar 09

Despite Indian government objections, a handful of Mahatma Gandhi's personal possessions have gone under the hammer in New York.

In life, the Indian independence leader shunned the material world. But his meagre personal possessions have created a frenzy.

Al Jazeera's Kristen Saloomey reports on the items that were bought for $1.8m by an Indian businessman.

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[abarzilai664]

Now that was a crazy wild ride of the relics ;) Thanks to that bussinessman's last minute save they will go back to the nation it belongs.

[notscooter952]

Disgusting.

[Nirvana3692]

this was on my birthday!

[drpanga]

Another drama to give popularity to Ganddi. Ganddi was responsible of steeling India from rightful owner Pakistan. This way he could rule the country. This money must be distributed amongst Bangladeshis poor population as compensation.

I must solute Pakistan who so bravely standing the aggression. They even stole Kashmir. India must be trailed in the international court (if there is any).

[amolsagar]

liquor baron? He is the owner of kingfisher airlines.

[mieroth]

They are his because they are in his possession. And since you'll never be able to prove they aren't rightfully his you have no argument. And I don't care if people go nuts. Materialism much? Why does some objects Gandhi had matter to you? I'm sure he would have cared more about helping the people. And that's what Otis has set out to do with the money. Boohoo. The objects belong to India where rich people can pay to look at them. What a friggin' parody of what Ghandi stood for. -.-

[femmepen]

Possession may be what 9/10th of the law, but when it comes to relics like these, which were disputed all along, you cannot just assume they are Otis's unquestionably. It's like Nazi gold and art seizures, and ancient treasures stolen from lands then sold on legit and black markets. This guy is a business man using some platform (pacifism) to wheel and deal.  How would this go down in America if some Frenchman wagered the return of the original Constitution. People would go NUTS.

I'm out.

[mieroth]

Wtf? They're his now, obviously. They were in his possession. What right do YOU have to tell Otis what to do with his belongings? He tried making a deal that would help India's poor (who are often ignored). They refused. Now the money made from the auctions will be donated to good causes. I very much admire Mr. Otis. He knows how to work to system to help those in need. =)

[NewLemurian]

DISGUSTING

[jax1492]

otis seems like scrum ...

[SkyDaddy7]

They do blong in India...To bad the Indian government could not dedicate 5% to its poor...However, we have the same problem here in the USA. It seems both India and the US have forgot the lessons taught by Jesus & Ghandi...Hopefully, things are changing in the USA now that we have a competent leader in President Obama.

[femmepen]

How did Mr. Otis acquire them anyway? What right does he have to tell India what to do w/ their $. He sounds more like a Capitalist than a "Pacifist. These belong to India. Period.