A tale of two events in the world related to India and erstwhile colonialism
1. Auction of Ganhi’s belongings
There was a big hue and cry in India and from the Indian Americans on the announcement of auction of Gandhi’s belongings in America.
Indian government had objected to the auction a few days back, "We will do everything to bring Gandhiji's belongings back," said Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma. But there seems to be little that it has done to ensure Gandhi's items don't go under the hammer in New York on March 5.
Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court has given a stay order on the auction of Gandhi's items in New York. (http://ibnlive.in.com, Mar 03, 2009)
There is an important point to be noted here. The Indians in general are proud of Gandhi, and justifiably so. It is a mark of Indian nationalism.
But, an important contribution made by Vijay Mallya has been ignored or not properly recognized in this context. Irrespective of his political leanings, the spirit with which he has acted in this issue is commendable. Vijay Mallya, former Rajya Sahba MP is a business magnet shrouded in controversies, and attracts attention in social life also, like a magnet, on account of his lavishness in parties, horse racing, his yacht apart from business that includes, breweries, airlines, leisure, engineering and so on. He also owns the Formula One team Force India, the Indian Premier League team Bangalore Royal Challengers, and the I-League team East Bengal football Club. The establishment of Mallya Hospital and Mallya Aditi International School speaks about his interests in human welfare.
Mallaya buys Gandhis belongings for 1.8 mn dollars
New York, Mar. 6 (ANI): Mahatma Gandhis five personal objects, including the iconic round eye glasses, were bought by Indian liquor baron VJ Mallya for 1.8 million dollars. The controversial auction has gone ahead in New York, despite protests from India, and the United States-based owner James Otis last-minute attempt to halt it. Finally, Gandhi’s belongings were bought by Indian businessman VJ Mallya for 1.8 million dollars, who said he was bidding for the country and plans to return them to Indian Government. Auctioned items included Gandhi’s iconic round glasses, a pocket watch, leather sandals, plate and bowl for sale….
Four years ago, in a bid to bring the Tipu Sultan sword back to India, Mallaya had coughed a whopping four crore ruppes to a London based auction house. (ANI) (http://www.thaindian.com March 6th, 2009)
He brought back the sword of Tipu Sulan to India from London. Now, considering the Indian Government’s efforts and the High Court’s stay order, question arises as to what the Government of India has done to honor its citizen for his efforts in restoring the belongings of Gandhi to India, leave alone the cost involved. It is an achievement that deserves appreciation.
Ganhi’s belongings have cultural value to India and the Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma said "We will do everything to bring Gandhiji's belongings back." In spite of its efforts, the county failed in its mission. However, Mallya successfully finished the job, and it should be treated as the country’s victory.
Government of India may consider giving respectability to the Indian Civilian Decoration Awards, at least in this year by bestowing it on deserving personality like Mallya!
2. East India Company now has an Indian owner
With just around a month to go for the re-launch of the East India Company — the world’s first multinational whose forces once ruled much of the globe — its new Indian owner a Mumbai-born entrepreneur completed the process of buying the East India Company in 2005 from the “30 or 40” people who owned it….
With a $15-million investment, Mehta has not taken lightly. “Put yourself in my shoes for a moment: On a rational plane, when I bought the company I saw gold at the end of the rainbow,” he said. “But, at an emotional level as an Indian, when you think with your heart as I do, I had this huge feeling of redemption — this indescribable feeling of owning a company that once owned us.” Indo-Asian News Service (Dipankar De Sarkar, Hindustan Times, London, February 14, 2010)
But, we also wonder, why and how the British Government was indifferent to this ‘important deal with a long drawn process’, considering its historical and national importance.
However, it has to be honestly admitted that they are not really proud of their historical ‘colonization’ and the associated evils, in this modern world. They don’t want to pay any attention to preserve with zeal, the relics of those days connected with colonization.
However, for an Indian it is by no means a small achievement, and for India it is a very significant step in its history. We understand the feelings of Mehta. India, in its historical backdrop should understand his emotions.
This is an achievement for India, and it should be appreciated and recognized by the Government officially.
Pottanna
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