NEW DELHI: With the scheduled auction of Mahatma Gandhi’s items in New York just hours away, the government on Thursday said it is making all efforts to get the items back, TV reports say.
“PM called me up personally to say that we must ensure that Bapu’s items are brought back in the country,” Times Now quoted culture minister Ambika Soni as saying.
“Government is looking at all options on this issue,” Soni said.
However, it rejected the conditions set by the American auctioneer of Mahatma Gandhi's personal items for stopping the memorabilia from going under the hammer and said is was in touch with United States and international legal agencies to get the articles back, PTI reported.
"Gandhiji himself would not have agreed to conditions. The Government of India representing the sovereign people of this republic cannot enter into such agreements where it involves specific areas of allocation of resources," minister of state for external affairs Anand Sharma said.
The ministers' responses came after James Otis, the auctioneer, set conditions for withdrawing the items from the auction which included a "substantial" increase in India's budget spending on health care of the poor. The memorabilia is up for auction at Antiquorum Auctioneers in New York.
Sharma said he was sure that Otis is aware that New Delhi has policy initiatives with "historic" allocations of resources particularly for rural health programmes and the education of the poor besides other pro-poor schemes.
On Otis' demand that New Delhi help its embassies in promoting Gandhian ideals in 78 countries, Sharma told a television channel that New Delhi is already incorporating Gandhiji's vision.
James Otis, who gave Antiquorum auctioneers Gandhi's iconic watch, glasses, a plate, a bowl and a pair sandals for auction, has said he has also added a blood report of Gandhi from Irwin hospital in Delhi and a signed telegram he had sent to students congratulating them on their peaceful struggle.
The auctioneers had fixed the reserve price of the articles between USD 20,000 and 30,000 but unconfirmed reports say it might be raised when the items are auctioned.
Analysts say the ongoing media hype could sent the auction price sky rocketing. Should no deal be reached, the Indian government's repeated statements on its determination to acquire the items could give a major boost to the price.
It is uncertain as yet whether government would direct bid or try to acquire items through some Indian Americans or their organizations if the auction does take place. However, some of the Indian Americans suggest that the second course would be better to keep the bids in check.
The auctioneers have not yet made clear whether they would allow the media to watch the auction at which bids can be made in the room, online or telephone. But those intending to bid have to register before hand. The online bidding access is given only to those who are registered as such.
Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/All-efforts-on-to-get-Gandhi-items-back-Govt/articleshow/4228285.cms
“PM called me up personally to say that we must ensure that Bapu’s items are brought back in the country,” Times Now quoted culture minister Ambika Soni as saying.
“Government is looking at all options on this issue,” Soni said.
However, it rejected the conditions set by the American auctioneer of Mahatma Gandhi's personal items for stopping the memorabilia from going under the hammer and said is was in touch with United States and international legal agencies to get the articles back, PTI reported.
"Gandhiji himself would not have agreed to conditions. The Government of India representing the sovereign people of this republic cannot enter into such agreements where it involves specific areas of allocation of resources," minister of state for external affairs Anand Sharma said.
The ministers' responses came after James Otis, the auctioneer, set conditions for withdrawing the items from the auction which included a "substantial" increase in India's budget spending on health care of the poor. The memorabilia is up for auction at Antiquorum Auctioneers in New York.
Sharma said he was sure that Otis is aware that New Delhi has policy initiatives with "historic" allocations of resources particularly for rural health programmes and the education of the poor besides other pro-poor schemes.
On Otis' demand that New Delhi help its embassies in promoting Gandhian ideals in 78 countries, Sharma told a television channel that New Delhi is already incorporating Gandhiji's vision.
James Otis, who gave Antiquorum auctioneers Gandhi's iconic watch, glasses, a plate, a bowl and a pair sandals for auction, has said he has also added a blood report of Gandhi from Irwin hospital in Delhi and a signed telegram he had sent to students congratulating them on their peaceful struggle.
The auctioneers had fixed the reserve price of the articles between USD 20,000 and 30,000 but unconfirmed reports say it might be raised when the items are auctioned.
Analysts say the ongoing media hype could sent the auction price sky rocketing. Should no deal be reached, the Indian government's repeated statements on its determination to acquire the items could give a major boost to the price.
It is uncertain as yet whether government would direct bid or try to acquire items through some Indian Americans or their organizations if the auction does take place. However, some of the Indian Americans suggest that the second course would be better to keep the bids in check.
The auctioneers have not yet made clear whether they would allow the media to watch the auction at which bids can be made in the room, online or telephone. But those intending to bid have to register before hand. The online bidding access is given only to those who are registered as such.
Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/All-efforts-on-to-get-Gandhi-items-back-Govt/articleshow/4228285.cms
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