Image Source : News Arena
Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked his 75th birthday on September 17, 2025, with a remarkable outpouring of cultural, spiritual, and symbolic tributes from across India and abroad. In a gesture that blends tradition with public engagement, Modi received more than 1,300 unique gifts, ranging from handcrafted artefacts to sports memorabilia, many of which will be auctioned online to support the Namami Gange initiative.
The seventh edition of the Prime Minister’s memorabilia auction was inaugurated by Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat at the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi. The auction will run until October 2, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti, and offers citizens a chance to own a piece of history while contributing to a national cause.
Key Highlights From The Gift Collection
- A detailed model of Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir, valued at Rs 5.5 lakh
- A statue of Goddess Bhavani with a base price of Rs 1.03 crore
- A Pashmina shawl from Jammu and Kashmir, showcasing regional craftsmanship
- A Tanjore painting of the Ram Durbar, representing South Indian artistic heritage
- A Rogan artwork from Gujarat, depicting the Tree of Life
- A metallic Nataraja statue and a traditional Naga handwoven shawl
- Three pairs of shoes worn by India’s Paralympic medallists from the Paris 2024 Games, each priced at Rs 7.7 lakh
Symbolism And Cultural Significance
The gifts reflect a rich tapestry of India’s cultural diversity and spiritual ethos. The Ram Mandir model and Ram Durbar painting underscore the centrality of faith and heritage in Modi’s public persona, while the Goddess Bhavani statue symbolizes strength and protection. The inclusion of regional textiles and tribal artefacts highlights the Prime Minister’s emphasis on inclusive development and cultural preservation.
The sports memorabilia, particularly from para-athletes, adds a contemporary layer to the collection, celebrating resilience and excellence in the face of adversity. These tokens serve as a tribute to India’s growing stature in global sports and its commitment to empowering differently-abled citizens.
Auction And Public Engagement
The online auction, hosted on the PM Mementos portal, allows citizens to bid on these items with proceeds directed toward the Namami Gange project, a flagship initiative for cleaning and conserving the Ganga River. Since its inception in 2019, the auction has raised over Rs 50 crore, making it one of the most successful public fundraising efforts linked to a national leader’s memorabilia.
The Ministry of Culture described the auction as an opportunity to blend personal celebration with collective responsibility, turning symbolic gifts into instruments of environmental and cultural stewardship.
Public Display And Accessibility
All 1,300 gifts are currently on display at the National Gallery of Modern Art, offering visitors a chance to view the collection before participating in the auction. The exhibition is open to the public and includes interactive kiosks for bidding and information.
The display has drawn large crowds, with many attendees expressing admiration for the craftsmanship and emotional depth of the items. School groups, cultural enthusiasts, and international visitors have praised the initiative for its transparency and civic engagement.
Political And Social Context
Modi’s 75th birthday is being celebrated nationwide as Sewa Diwas, a day dedicated to acts of public service and community welfare. The gift auction complements this theme by channeling symbolic tributes into tangible social impact.
The Prime Minister’s journey from grassroots activism to national leadership has been marked by a consistent emphasis on cultural pride, environmental responsibility, and citizen participation. The birthday celebrations and associated auction reflect these values in action.
Sources: MSN India, Free Press Journal, Times Now, Deccan Chronicle
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