1		1	Gandhi, items, sold, Mallya, $1.8mn

James Otis who owns few items that belonged to Mahatma Gandhi has put them for auction. The auction was held in New York. Like all things in (and with) India, this became a controversy. For what reason? For the same reason why Billu Barber was offensive.

For the same reason that Slumdog Millionaire was offensive. For the same reason that Slumdog Millionaire stopped being offensive and became the political success of UPA after the 8 Oscars.

Enough of rant. Here is the story. Someone got Gandhi’s artifacts a while ago, he wants to make money and felt that recession is the right time and called for an auction. Someone who has a penchant for buying expensive things and islands bought them. That someone happens to be Vijay Mallya. Everyone else has a problem with this.

Here are some artifacts of a great man - a 1.2 billion strong nation admires. Gandhi donated these items to James Otis. A donation means the new owner has all the rights. Though there was no money involved, it still has the moral binding that Mr. Otis is the rightful owner and he can do whatever he wants. He did just that.

What exactly was on the auction?

1. Eating bowl
2. Plate
3. Pair of sandals
4. Pocket watch
5. Gandhi’s steel spectacles

What did James Otis do right?
He has preserved the artifacts carefully for more than 60 years. Shouldn’t we give him the credit? Most of the people in India did not knew these things exist and a foreigner has them.

Where did James Otis go wrong?
He tried to dictate terms to a sovereign nation. He was willing to give the artifacts to the Indian government but under 2 conditions:

1. Indian government’s spend on the poor should be increased to 5% of GDP
2. To create an international traveling exhibition about Gandhi

No one tells a sovereign nation what to do, just like every sovereign nation has the right to defend itself. Even during Mumbai attacks, no nation - not even US, said India what to do. There were suggestions and help but that is where it ends. Mr. Otis just missed this boat.

The buyer who now owns Gandhi’s belongings does not fit the profile. Vijay Mallya owns an airliner, a beer company, a cricket team, a formula one team, allegedly an expensive island and now Mahatma Gandhi’s belongings.  If it is a kohinoor then I can understand Mallya bidding for it. Might be a theory behind it but I will give him the benefit of doubt.

Mallya for just a change made quite a good purchase. He spent $1.55 mn for Kevin Pietersen and $1.8 mn for Gandhi’s belongings. Kevin Pietersen’s purchase was totally useless. Many will agree with me once the IPL starts. Important thing is he actually spent more for Gandhi’s belongings than he did for Kevin Pietersen.

Most of the bidders were Indian. In fact, that New York room would have given a glimpse of the wealthiest Indians in New York. The second highest bid for $1.75 mn is also by an Indian, Dilip Doshi - former Indian cricketer.

Did the Indian government had too many proxies in the bidding? Just my share for the growing conspiracy theories.

What’s next for auction? Kohinoor?

If you want to satiate your appetite then read this New York Times  blog which has and excellent but long story. Yes, longer than this.

*Image source : Flickr stream of Leonardo G Ponce.