Gandhi's belongings will not go under hammer: Ambika Soni

New Delhi, Feb 27 (ANI): The government of India on Friday decided to ensure Mahatma Gandhi's personal belongings do not go under hammer in New York next month and bring them back to the country.

"Whatever can be done is being done to ensure that articles are not auctioned by involving all concerned stakeholders. Our embassy in Washington and Consulate in New York have been told to actively pursue the matter," Soni said.

The pair of the famed metal-rimmed spectacles, a pocket watch and sandals of Gandhi are scheduled to be auctioned on March 4-5 in New York.

The Minister came to decision after extensive consultations with the Ministries of External Affairs, Home, Law and Finance.

Soni also stated that the Indian government has been approaching the owners not to auction the Gandhi's belongings.

In case owners of the articles do not agree, Indian government would purchase the items at the reserved price on a reasonable negotiated price.

We are also requesting an NRI or the local India-American Association to participate in the auction and purchase the items and then donate them to Indian government at a ceremony where their gesture would be given due recognition. (ANI)