Gandhi's writings are national heritage, shouldn't be sold: Museum director

Days after a collection of Mahatma Gandhi's personal writings fetched a record price at an international auction, the National Gandhi Museum has raised concerns about the sale of the independence leader's documents and belongings.

Director A Annamalai termed the recent auction "deeply distressing and painful," arguing that such items represent far more than personal possessions. On August 19, 86 items including 688 handwritten reflections by Gandhi sold at a Saffronart auction for Rs 16.20 crore, setting a world record for an Indian historical document.

The collection, titled "A Thought for the Day" and written over nearly two years to close associate and freedom fighter Anand T Hingorani, sparked the museum director's statement calling for a reconsideration of how the nation preserves its historical legacy. Annamalai appealed to individuals possessing Gandhi's letters, manuscripts and personal artefacts to transfer them to the National Gandhi Museum rather than allowing them to be auctioned off.

The development highlights ongoing tensions between private ownership and public heritage preservation in India, particularly regarding documents and objects associated with the country's independence struggle. The museum's position reflects broader concerns about ensuring that materials documenting pivotal moments in Indian history remain accessible to scholars and the public.