Gandhi Was a Big Jerk, Perv

Tycoon pays $1.8m for Gandhi glasses, watch, sandals to donate to government

(NEWSER) - The few worldly possessions that Mahatma Gandhi left behind will be returning to his homeland after an Indian tycoon bought them at a controversial New York auction yesterday, the Washington Post reports. Vijay Mallya paid $1.8 million for the independence leader's spectacles, pocket watch and sandals, and pledged to donate them to India's government. More»

(NEWSER) - India has rejected a donation offer from the owner of Mahatma Gandhi’s personal effects, set for auction today in New York, the Times reports. James Otis, a peace activist who owns Gandhi’s glasses, watch, and sandals, wanted India to exhibit the items or increase spending on its poor to 5% of GDP. Even Gandhi “would not have agreed to conditions,” an official said. More»

'Insult' to India 'must be stopped,' says great-grandson

(NEWSER) - Mahatma Gandhi’s heirs have slammed a New York auction of his few belongings, calling it “immoral,” the Daily Telegraph reports. “It must be stopped," said Gandhi’s great-grandson. "It would be a grave insult to the nation if these items”—including sandals, pocket watch, and spectacles—“were sold off.” Indian MPs have called for the items’ return, and people worldwide have offered to donate a month’s salary to the fight. More»

Glasses and other items to be auctioned

(NEWSER) - Mahatma Gandhi's handful of possessions—his signature round-lens eyeglasses, simple sandals, bowl, plate, and pocket watch—are to be sold at auction in New York next month. Although he had far fewer possessions than Jackie O, the BBC reports the auction is likely to attract just as much attention as hers did. Figure about $40,000 for the items, which will be sold together. More»

Rushdie's epic novel beats out 6 others by public vote

(NEWSER) - Salman Rushdie's classic Midnight's Children, which nabbed the Booker Prize 27 years ago, has now won the Best of the Bookers by public vote, the Guardian reports. About a boy born at the hour of India's independence, the novel won over six previous prize winners. The prize "looks at what qualities of books survive" their "temporary celebrity," said one judge. More»