The fifth annual auction of mementos gifted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced on Monday, with a painting of Banaras Ghat leading the bids at a value of $88,000, as per the PM Mementos auction website.
This year’s auction features a diverse range of mementos, including 900 paintings, intricate sculptures, indigenous handicrafts, and captivating folk and tribal artifacts, with prices ranging from $1 to over $880,000. While 150 of these items are on display at the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi, the rest are available for bidding on the website.
The bidding process will continue until October 31, and the proceeds will contribute to the government’s ‘Namami Gange’ initiative, a comprehensive conservation and rejuvenation program initiated in June 2014 to combat pollution and protect the Ganga river.
Prime Minister Modi expressed in a post on Monday, “These mementos, presented to me during various programs and events across India, are a testament to the rich culture, tradition, and artistic heritage of India.”
As per the auction website, the most valuable item by 9:30 pm on Monday was the Painting of Banaras Ghat, priced at $88,000. This painting, created by renowned artist Paresh Maity, has been described by the government as a “tribute to the timeless charm of the city, where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with modern aspirations.”
The second highest-valued item was a T-shirt autographed by the Men and Women’s Team for the Deaflympics 2022, with a starting price of over $54,000.
In the previous year, the top bid reached $700,000 for a badminton racquet signed by Thomas Cup champion K. Srikanth.
