Over 1,300 cherished gifts presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including a stunning Tanjore painting of Ram Durbar, a metallic Nataraja statue, a handwoven Naga shawl, and exclusive sports memorabilia from the 2024 Paris Paralympics, will be auctioned online starting September 17. Coinciding with Modi’s 75th birthday, the seventh edition of the Prime Minister’s Mementoes e-Auction, announced by Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), will run until October 2.
The e-auction, first launched in January 2019, has raised over Rs 50 crore for the Namami Gange project, a flagship initiative to rejuvenate and protect the Ganga river and its ecosystem. “This auction allows citizens to own a piece of history while contributing to the noble cause of preserving our sacred river,” the culture ministry stated. Shekhawat highlighted that Modi is the first Indian prime minister to dedicate all mementos received to this cause.
The collection showcases India’s rich cultural tapestry, featuring intricate items like an embroidered Pashmina shawl from Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat’s Rogan Art depicting the Tree of Life, and a vibrant array of paintings, sculptures, tribal artifacts, and ceremonial gifts. A standout feature this year is the inclusion of sports memorabilia from India’s para-athletes, symbolizing their resilience and excellence at the 2024 Paralympics.
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Currently displayed at the NGMA, these items are available for public viewing before bidding begins online. The diverse range includes idols of gods and goddesses, traditional handicrafts, and tokens of honor, reflecting India’s heritage and craftsmanship. All proceeds will support the Namami Gange project, reinforcing the government’s commitment to environmental conservation.
This e-auction offers a unique opportunity for citizens to acquire iconic mementos while contributing to a vital national cause. As the event kicks off on Modi’s birthday, it underscores his dedication to blending cultural preservation with environmental stewardship, inviting public participation in a mission to safeguard the Ganga for future generations.
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