Image Source : Newstrack
In celebration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday, the seventh edition of the annual gift auction will commence on September 17, 2025, at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) in New Delhi. The event, which has become a hallmark of cultural diplomacy and public engagement, features an expansive collection of gifts received by the Prime Minister during his official visits, meetings with dignitaries, and ceremonial occasions. The proceeds from the auction will once again be directed toward the Namami Gange campaign, a flagship initiative for cleaning and conserving the Ganga River.
This year’s auction includes over 1,300 curated items, ranging from traditional handicrafts and religious artefacts to sports memorabilia and symbolic artworks. The exhibition is open to the public both physically at NGMA and digitally via the government’s e-auction portal, offering a unique opportunity for citizens to own a piece of India’s diplomatic and cultural narrative.
Key Highlights From The Auction Announcement
- Seventh edition of the gift auction begins on September 17 and runs until October 2
- Hosted at the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi
- Over 1,300 gifts on display, including international artefacts, religious items, and sports memorabilia
- Proceeds will support the Namami Gange Abhiyan for river conservation
- Participants can bid online via pmmementos.gov.in or visit the NGMA exhibition in person
- Buyers will receive official certificates for their purchases
Exhibition Scope And Featured Items
The auction showcases a wide spectrum of gifts received by Prime Minister Modi, reflecting India’s global engagements and cultural heritage. Items include:
- Replicas of the Ram Temple and Hindu deities gifted during religious events
- Silver veena and filigree art from international dignitaries
- Pichwai paintings and Khadi shawls representing indigenous craftsmanship
- Sports memorabilia from the 2024 Paralympic Games
- Sculptures, ceremonial swords, and traditional textiles from various Indian states
Each item has been assigned a base price by a government-appointed committee, with values ranging from Rs 600 to Rs 8.26 lakh. The diversity of the collection ensures accessibility for a wide range of bidders, from art collectors to everyday citizens.
Auction Process And Participation Guidelines
The auction will be conducted through the official PM Mementos portal, where users can register, browse items, and place bids. The platform offers real-time updates on bidding status and allows secure transactions. Key steps for participation include:
- Registering at pmmementos.gov.in with valid identification
- Browsing the catalogue of items by category or price range
- Placing bids during the auction window from September 17 to October 2
- Receiving digital certificates upon successful purchase
The NGMA exhibition will remain open throughout the auction period, allowing visitors to view the items in person before placing bids online.
Cultural Significance And Social Impact
The gift auction is more than a fundraising initiative—it is a celebration of India’s cultural diplomacy and a reflection of the Prime Minister’s commitment to transparency and public welfare. Since its inception, the auction has raised over Rs 50.33 crore, with Rs 2.24 crore collected in the previous edition alone.
The funds have consistently supported the Namami Gange campaign, which focuses on pollution control, riverfront development, and ecological restoration. By linking ceremonial gifts to environmental action, the initiative bridges tradition with sustainability.
Public Engagement And Legacy
The auction has grown in popularity over the years, drawing participation from art enthusiasts, philanthropists, and citizens alike. It offers a rare glimpse into the symbolic exchanges that shape India’s diplomatic relationships and honors the artisans whose work is showcased on a national platform.
Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat emphasized that the initiative reflects the Prime Minister’s belief in turning personal gestures into public good. The auction also coincides with Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary on October 2, reinforcing themes of service and conservation.
Sources: UNI India Times of India
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