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Shawls, sculptures and more: Gifts received by PM Modi up for auction; proceeds to support Namami Gange project

Shawls, sculptures and more: Gifts received by PM Modi up for auction; proceeds to support Namami Gange project

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday urged citizens to participate in the 7th edition of the PM’s Mementoes E-Auction, which features gifts he has received over the years during official programmes. The proceeds from the auction will be directed to the Namami Gange Project, aimed at cleaning and conserving the Ganga River.”Over the past few days, the online auction for the various gifts I have received during my different programmes has been underway. The auction includes very interesting works which illustrate the culture and creativity of India. The proceeds from the auction will go towards Namami Gange. Do take part in the auction,” PM Modi wrote in a post on X. The ministry of culture had earlier announced the launch of this year’s auction, organised by the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), New Delhi, with union minister of culture and tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat unveiling the collection.Shekhawat said the online auction, running from September 17 to October 2, 2025, will feature over 1,300 gifts, including paintings, artefacts, sculptures, idols of gods and goddesses, and sports memorabilia. “These items reflect India’s cultural diversity and creativity, and citizens can now participate in this unique initiative,” he said.The first edition of the auction was held in January 2019, and since then, the programme has raised over Rs 50 crore for the Namami Gange Project. PM Modi is the first Prime Minister of India to dedicate all mementoes received to a public cause.

Highlights of the 7th edition

  • The collection includes traditional art forms and ceremonial gifts from across India, such as:
  • Pashmina Shawl from Jammu & Kashmir, intricately embroidered
  • Tanjore Painting of Ram Durbar
  • Metallic Statue of Nataraja
  • Rogan Art from Gujarat, depicting the Tree of Life
  • Handwoven Naga Shawl

A special highlight this year is the sports memorabilia gifted by India’s para-athletes from the Paris 2024 Paralympics, symbolising resilience and excellence in Indian sports.

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