James Otis apologises, says auction of Gandhi's belongings was not meant for profits

New Delhi, Mar 27 (ANI): James Otis, the US based collector and auctioneer of Mahatma Gandhi's personal belongings, today asserted that the purpose behind the auction was to remind the world about Gandhi's greatness.

Addressing a news conference here, Otis, who sparked a row by putting up for auction Gandhi's belongings earlier this month, apologized for unintentionally hurting Indian sentiments and asserted that the purpose of the auction was to remind the people about his teachings.

"All the world leaders today love Gandhiji. Everyone loves him but they do not practice his message. So I am trying to, through the sale of these items in New York, remind people of how great he was and how great and important Non-violent movements are," said Otis.

Otis, who calls himself the practitioner of Gandhian principles, said that the money generated from the auction would go to organisations promoting Gandhian values.

"Gandhiji has taught the whole world. He is not only your great hero but he is the world's greatest hero and I have been studying Gandhi for 20 years and practicing his non-violence. Every single penny of the money that I have been receiving from his auction in New York would be going to the non-violent organisations," he added.

Business tycoon Vijay Mallya bought Mahatma Gandhi's fivepersonal objects, including the iconic round eyeglasses, for 1.8 million dollars in a New York auction. (ANI)