Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat announced that sports memorabilia gifted by India’s para-athletes will be a key attraction at the 7th edition of the e-auction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mementoes, starting Wednesday. The e-auction coincides with Sewa Pakhwada, observed nationwide from September 17 to October 2 to celebrate the Prime Minister’s birthday.
This year, over 1,300 items will be available for bidding on the official portal www.pmmementos.gov.in from September 17 to October 2. All items are currently on display at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), New Delhi. A special highlight is memorabilia from India’s para-athletes who competed in the Paris Paralympics 2024, symbolising resilience, excellence, and the indomitable spirit of Indian sports.
Other items in the auction include paintings, sculptures, idols of deities, and other artefacts representing India’s rich cultural heritage. Some notable pieces are a Pashmina shawl from Jammu and Kashmir, a Tanjore painting of Ram Durbar, a metallic Nataraja statue, Rogan Art from Gujarat depicting the Tree of Life, and a handwoven Naga shawl.
Since the first auction in January 2019, thousands of mementoes presented to PM Modi have been auctioned, raising over Rs 50 crore in support of the Namami Gange Project. PM Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to dedicate all received mementoes to this noble cause.
The e-auction not only allows citizens to own a piece of history but also contributes to the preservation and rejuvenation of the Ganga and its ecosystem, aligning with the government’s flagship initiative to protect the holy river. The event reflects India’s diverse culture, blending traditional art, handicrafts, and ceremonial gifts with modern sports achievements.