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A relief

Indians heaved a sigh of relief when industrialist Vijay Mallya bought Mahatma Gandhi’s memorabilia at an auction in New York. The anguish and concern expressed by the Mahatma’s kin as his iconic items came up for auction reflected the deep sentiments of our countrymen and all those who attach importance to Gandhian thoughts and our heritage. At the same time, we will be doing a better service to our motherland and to Gandhiji if we strive to imbibe some of his time-tested ideals.

K.J. Mathew,

Mavelikara

It is gratifying to note that Mr. Mallya saved the country’s honour by bidding for Gandhiji’s personal belongings. It was a pity that no politician who uses the Mahatma’s name for votes did anything to get back the icons. Nor did our rich cricketers, as a community, deem it fit to procure them.

J.V.N.K. Subramanyam,

Hyderabad

Gandhiji’s memory, of late, has been limited to words like Gandhigiri or Gandhism and a few roads, museums and institutions bearing his name. Thanks to the auction in New York, his ideals of simple living and high thinking have remained in discussion for almost a week now.

Neha Paul,

Patiala

Had Gandhiji been alive, he would have been shocked to see the drama enacted in his name and the sale of the articles used by him in an auction for $1.8 million. The money could have instead been donated for some social cause dear to Gandhiji. The Mahatma lives in his message, not in his articles or books.

R.N. Misra,

New Delhi

I was amused by the importance accorded by the Indian state and private collectors in procuring a few possessions of Gandhiji. The Mahatma himself attached little importance to worldly possessions. The display of the objects used by him in a museum or writing about him on his birth and death anniversary will not lead to the dissemination of his ideas. It was intense soul-searching by him that transformed Mohandas Gandhi into a Mahatma. Unique personalities will always remain unique. It is difficult to replicate them.

L.S. Vishwanath,

Bangalore

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