The great-grandson of India's iconic freedom hero Mahatma Gandhi expressed the hope on Wednesday of getting back his memorabilia from an auction in New York.
The Indian freedom hero's trademark wire-rimmed glasses, a pair of worn leather sandals, a pocket watch and a metal bowl and plate are up for sale in
New York on Wednesday and Thursday (March 5).
An Indian court on Tuesday (March 03) put a stay on the auction, but Tushar Gandhi said the order might have come too late and may not be binding in New York.
Tushar Gandhi had earlier appealed to Indians for money to buy his great-grandfather's belongings that are up for sale because they are part of India's heritage.
"A small mistake can rob us of our national heritage. I pray nothing of this sort happens and we accomplish our mission. I hope that before it goes under the hammer some miracle will happen and an angel will fulfil our wish of getting things back," he said.
After failing to mobilise sufficient funds for the auction, Tushar Gandhi persuaded the Indian Government to intervene in the matter.
The Indian Government is reportedly holding talks with the Antiquorum Auctioneers to take the items off the auction.
"It was the responsibility of the Indian Government to get the things back. But they woke up pretty late. Last Saturday only the Government announced that they are making strong efforts. It's pretty late now. Still if the Indian Government wants, they can intervene in the matter and make a strong bid," said Tushar Gandhi.
"I'll be happy only when Bapu's belongings are back. I have a fear that Mr Otis is trying to divert attention so that the auction can go off smoothly. If we were to bid in the auction that would be the safest option. I don't know if he is a man of integrity. I e-mailed him and said that 'I believe you but please withdraw the items from sale and I will join your cause'. But no reply has come from him till now," he added.
Indians view the items as part of their national heritage and want them to be kept in a museum.
Some non-resident Indians have also offered to buy back the items, amid concern that time may be running out for the government to persuade the owner or the auctioneers to sell them the objects.
The auction, the largest collection of Gandhi's possessions on sale at a time, is expected to fetch some $300,000.
The Zenith pocket watch was given to Mahatma Gandhi by Indira Gandhi, who is not related to him and who went on to become India's prime minister.
Mahatma Gandhi used the plate and bowl for his last meal.
The planned auction has dismayed many Indians who say it goes against the philosophy of a man who shunned material possessions and led an ascetic life.
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, better known as Mahatma Gandhi, pioneered the philosophy of non-violent resistance to the British occupation of India.
He was assassinated on January 30, 1948 in New Delhi by a Hindu radical.
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