The Union Ministry of Culture has launched an e-auction of over 600 unique gifts and mementoes received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The auction, which began on Tuesday, will run until October 2, showcasing a diverse range of items that reflect India's rich cultural, spiritual, historical, and political heritage.
Announcing the auction, PM Modi shared a post on X, saying, "Every year, I auction the various mementoes I receive during the public programmes. The proceeds of the auction go to the Namami Gange initiative. I’m delighted to share that this year’s auction has opened. Do bid for the mementoes you find interesting!"
Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also emphasized the significance of the collection, noting how it mirrors India's rich tapestry of culture, spirituality, and history.
Individuals interested in participating can register and place bids through the official website: https://pmmementos.gov.in/.
A prominent part of the auction honours India’s freedom fighters and brave warriors, reflecting important moments in the nation’s history. Additionally, sports memorabilia from the upcoming Paralympic Games in 2024 will also be available for bidding.
This marks the sixth edition of the auction series, which started in January 2019. Previous auctions have raised over Rs. 50 crore, with all proceeds supporting key national initiatives. Minister Shekhawat confirmed that the funds from this year’s auction will go towards the Namami Gange Project, which aims to conserve and restore the Ganga River.
“The funds generated through this auction will support this worthy cause, strengthening our commitment to preserving our environment,” Shekhawat said.
The auction offers a wide variety of traditional Indian art forms, including vibrant paintings, intricate sculptures, Indigenous handicrafts, and captivating folk and tribal artefacts. Among the items up for bid are angavastras, shawls, ceremonial swords, and other symbols of honour and respect.
Religious artefacts, such as temple models of the Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and the Shree Dwarkadhish in Dwarka, along with statues of Hindu deities, add a spiritual dimension to the auction.
PM Modi's 600 Mementos to be Auctioned for Ganga Clean-up Fund
PM Modi's 3-Day US Visit: Quad Summit, Indian Diaspora, and Bilateral Talks at UNGA
One Nation, One Election: Modi Govt Approves Kovind Panel's Report on Simultaneous Polls