The Consulate General of India, New York has seen reports in the media that Antiquarum Auctioneers had stated that they have not been contacted by anyone from Government of India in regard to the auction of Gandhiji’s memorabilia which is to take place on March 5, 2009.

          In this regard, the Consulate would like to clarify that it has been in regular contact with Antiquarum auctioneers since February 26, 2009 and has repeatedly asked them to cancel the auction of these items and donate them to the Government of India.  Since the auctioneers refused to do so, the Consulate also conveyed that the Government of India was willing to buy the items at the reserve price or a reasonable negotiated price.

          The Consulate has also emphasized to Antiquarum auctioneers as well as Mr. James Otis, who is reportedly the consignor of these items, that by donating them to the Government of India they will earn enormous goodwill and international publicity whereas by auctioning them they will be projecting themselves as materialistic and indifferent to the sentiments of the people of India.