Indian Business Tycoon Gets Gandhi Memorabilia

There was a high drama. Despite Government of India’s attempts to prevent the auction of Mahatma Gandhi memorabilia at New York, the auctioneers went ahead…And there was furious bidding. Finally, representatives of Vijay Mallya, the billionaire chairman of United Breweries Group and Kingfisher Airlines, outlasted other collectors.

Mahatma Gandhi’s five personal items, including the iconic round eye glasses and a pair of leather sandals, that went under the hammer on Thursday were bought for US $ 1.8 million.

Tony Bedi, who did the bidding for Mr Mallya, said that the items would be turned over to the Indian government and put on display. He said that he thought they were worth at least $6m, reports The Financial Times. More here…

It is ironic/interesting that Vijay Mallya, who is known for his opulent lifestyle and his airlines’ sexy calendar brought out every year, should get back to the country the frugal belogings of the nation’s legendary and austere man. (See here…)

For The New York Times story please click here…

My earlier posts here and here…