{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "Chance to buy gifts received by PM Modi as e-auction begins on September 17",
  "summary": "An e-auction featuring 1,498 special mementos received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins on September 17, 2026. All proceeds will directly fund the Namami Gange project.",
  "content": "Those wondering where the valuable and unique gifts presented to the country's leader actually end up now have a definitive answer. Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat announced the launch of the eighth edition of the official mementos e-auction. A total of 1,498 priceless tokens and memorabilia given to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his domestic and international travels will be put up for open bidding. This digital auction goes live on the official portal starting September 17, 2026, offering citizens a chance to acquire items linked to India's rich cultural heritage, traditional craftsmanship, and sporting achievements.\n\nTo make this eighth season more vibrant, the organizers have classified 50 of the rarest mementos under a special hero objects category. These remarkable creations feature intricate artistry capable of amazing any observer. Among the highlights is a silver memento of Lord Rama from Karnataka, which carries a base price of thirteen lakh fifty thousand rupees. Additionally, a silver replica of the Kakatiya Kala Thoranam representing the architectural history of Telangana is included in the bidding with a starting price of nine lakh rupees.\n\nA fine specimen of Indian tribal art, specifically a Gond art Tree of Life painting, is ready for acquisition with a base price of seven lakh fifty thousand rupees. An idol of the Jagन्नाथ family aboard a chariot reflecting the spiritual heritage of Odisha has been assigned a starting value of six lakh rupees. Furthermore, a 99.99 percent fine gold-plated Radha Krishna artwork will commence bidding at a base price of five lakh forty thousand rupees.\n\nGajendra Singh Shekhawat clarified that this auction is not merely a commercial avenue for collecting antiques, but a component of a national mission. Every single rupee collected through this e-auction will be channeled entirely into the Namami Gange project. This means every bid placed by participants directly contributes to the conservation and revival efforts dedicated to the sacred Ganga River.\n\nPrior to participating in the bidding process, individuals can view the artifacts firsthand. The National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi is managing the coordination of this entire initiative. A special exhibition is being hosted at the gallery ahead of the auction launch, allowing art enthusiasts and the general public to closely examine the artistic details of all 1,498 mementos in person.\n\nWhat this means for you\nThis auction provides a distinct opportunity for art collectors and citizens to acquire historical items while supporting a major environmental cause.\n\n• Across India: Citizens nationwide can participate in the digital bidding process through the official portal to secure rare national mementos.\n• In New Delhi: Local residents can visit the special exhibition at the National Gallery of Modern Art to inspect all items prior to placing bids.\n• Environmental Impact: All proceeds generated from the sale will directly support the Namami Gange project for river conservation.\n• Pricing Details: Base prices for the rarest hero objects range from over five lakh rupees up to more than thirteen lakh rupees.\n• Timeline: Interested participants can access the live digital portal starting from September 17, 2026.\n\nWhy this happened\nThe institutionalized auction of official gifts stems from a structured mechanism designed for transparent asset management and river restoration.\n\n• Asset Management: Valuable gifts received by the nation's leader during official duties are systematically cataloged and auctioned rather than stored indefinitely.\n• Conservation Funding: The decision to channel all revenue directly into the Namami Gange project aligns state gifting practices with national ecological goals.\n• Cultural Promotion: Highlighting tribal crafts, traditional statues, and regional artifacts encourages broader public appreciation of India's diverse artistic heritage.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. Which edition of the PM Mementos e-auction is currently being organized?\nThe eighth edition of the official e-auction is being organized.\n\n2. On which date will the digital auction commence?\nThe online auction goes live on the official portal starting September 17, 2026.\n\n3. How many total mementos are featured in this auction?\nA total of 1,498 priceless mementos received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi are included.\n\n4. Where will the proceeds generated from the auction be utilized?\nOne hundred percent of the funds collected from the auction will be allocated to the Namami Gange project.\n\n5. Where can people view the artifacts before the bidding begins?\nA special exhibition is being hosted at the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/national/pm-modi-ke-upahar-kharidne-ka-mauka-17-september-se-shuru-32718",
  "category": "India",
  "publishedAt": "2026-09-16",
  "tags": [
    "PM Modi",
    "e-auction",
    "Gajendra Singh Shekhawat",
    "Namami Gange",
    "National Gallery of Modern Art"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}