Dharam Shourie
New York, Mar 5 (PTI) The American auctioneer of Mahatma Gandhi's personal items today set tough conditions for the Indian government to stop the memorabilia from going under the hammer which include shifting priorities from military spending to health care, especially for the poor.

In the proposal sent to Indian negotiators hours before the precious items are set to be auctioned, James Otis asked India to "substantially" increase the proportion of its budget spent on health care of the poor.

The Consul General in New York has faxed the proposal to the External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi which is involved in frantic last minute negotiations to stop the auction.

Personal belongings of Gandhi -- his metal-rimmed glasses, pocket watch, a pair of sandals and a plate and bowl -- are up for auction at Antiquorum Auctioneers here.

Besides, Otis also wants the Indian government to help offices of its embassies support educational events that use the Gandhi items to promote non-violent resistance advocated by him in 78 countries "one each for the number of years Gandhi graced us with his life on the planet".

The content of the programme, according to the proposal, would be determined by a committee appointed and chaired by Otis and Prof at George Mason University, Lester Kurtz, in consultation with Gandhian scholars from India such as Dr N Radhakrishan, Dr Savita Singh, or Dr S Jeyapragasam as well as others.
Where as the National Khadi & Village Industries Board Employees Federation founder Chairman Bhai Laxmi Das, Former Chairman of the Khadi & Village Industries Commission strongly opposed the auction of the belongings of father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi. Naresh Kadyan further demands the removal of vulgarity about bapu ji from internet - http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=42e98da3ba along with the legal action against offenders.