Personal belongings of Mahatma Gandhi will go under the hammer. To stop the auction Indian government is in last minute negotiation with the American auctioneer. The American auctioneer, James Otis, on Thursday set tough conditions for the Indian government to stop the memorabilia from being auctioned, which includes shifting priorities from military spending to health care, especially for the poor.

In his proposal, Otis has asked India to “substantially” increase the proportion of its budget spent on health care of the poor.

Consul General in New York has faxed the proposal today to the External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi that involves last minute negotiations in order to stop the auction.

The personal belongings of Mahatma Gandhi that is going to be hammered are his metal-rimmed glasses, pocket watch, a pair of sandals and a plate and bowl. The auction will be held at Antiquorum Auctioneers here.

Apart from the above negotiation Otis also wants the Indian government to provide support to offices of its embassies, which supports educational events that use the Gandhi items to promote non-violent resistance advocated by him in 78 countries. He said, “one each for the number of years Gandhi graced us with his life on the planet”.