New Delhi, Mar 3: Mahatma Gandhi's metal- rimmed glasses, pocket watch, a pair of sandals and a plate and bowl will go on auction on Thursday, Mar 5 as per the schedule in New York. The auction is expected to fetch between $20,000 and $30,000, a spokesperson of New York-based Antiquorum Auctioneers said.

After public outcry, the Indian govt approached the owners directly and ask them not to auction them but hand them over to India instead. However, James Otis,the collector of Bapu's iconic round glasses, pocket watch and sandals had said that he is ready to give back the belongings to India.The spokesperson claimed they have not been contacted by any representative of the Indian government. Antiquorum also says that if India wants Gandhi's glasses back, it will have to bid for it. Also there are reports that the Indian govt may approach prominent faces of the Indian-American community like hotelier Sant Singh Chatwal to bid for the items.

"We hope if these items do go for sale, and the Indian government doesn't come up with an offer prior to the auction, that the items will go for a lot, and that many people will benefit. We have gone to the Indian government and made an offer to them," says James Otis.

OneIndia News