The fifth edtion of the annual auction of mementos gifted to PM Modi kicked off on Monday where a painting of the Banaras Ghat was set at the highest quoted price of ₹64,80,000, according to the auction website PM Mementos.
It has been reported that the bids will continue till October 31 and the proceeds will directly be utiized in the Centre's ‘Namami Gange’ initiative.
In a post on X on Monday, Modi said, “...Presented to me during various programmes and events across India, they (the mementos) are a testament to the rich culture, tradition and artistic heritage of India...”
About the items on auction
According to the auction website, this year's list of mementos include 900 paintings, intricate sculptures, indigenous handicrafts, and enchanting folk and tribal artifacts, ranging from ₹100 to over ₹64 lakh.
While 150 of these are on display at the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi, the remaining are available on the website.
It has been reported that the highest valued item at 9.30pm on Monday was Painting of Banaras Ghat by renowned artist Paresh Maity which was valued at ₹64,80,000 while the second highest valued item was a T-shirt Autographed by Men and Women Team for the Deaflympics 2022 at a base price of over ₹5,40,000.
Last year, a badminton racquet signed by Thomas Cup winner K. Srikanth received the highest bid of ₹51 lakh.
