Ghandi's A Thought For the Day Manuscript sets World Record at Auction
In a sale that marks a landmark moment for Indian archival preservation, a collection of 688 handwritten, autographed reflections by Mahatma Gandhi fetched a record-breaking $1.7 million at a recent online auction hosted by Mumbai-based auction house Saffronart.
The lot featured daily handwritten notes written by Gandhi over a span of two years to his close associate, author, and freedom fighter Anand T Hingorani. Written following the death of Hingorani’s wife, Vidya, these daily messages served as intimate spiritual counsel, discipline, and emotional solace.
Later compiled into the celebrated volume titled A Thought for the Day, the 688 notes cover fundamental tenets of Gandhi’s philosophy, including truth, non-violence, celibacy, non-possession, fearlessness, religious equality, labour, moral responsibility, and the search for God.
The auction house Saffronart confirmed that the purchaser is based within India, ensuring that this national treasure will remain in the country.