The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, is carrying out an e-auction event displaying a splendid array of gifts and mementos received by the Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi. This e-auction features an exceptional collection of artefacts showcasing our rich heritage. The e-auction is commenced from October 2^nd to October 31^st, 2023, at https://pmmementos.gov.in/.

Union Minister of State for Culture and External Affairs Mrs. Meenakashi Lekhi briefed about the ongoing e-auction and stated that E-Auction is getting momentum as festivities of Durga Puja and Dusserra is going on. This e-auction marks the fifth edition in a series of successful auctions, the first of which was in January 2019. She added that in the last 4 editions, over 7000 items have been put on e-auction and this time there are 912 items for the e-auction. She added that this flagship initiative of the Union Government is dedicated to preserving and restoring our national river, the Ganga, and enhancing its delicate ecosystem. The funds generated through this auction will contribute to this noble cause, reinforcing our unwavering commitment to safeguarding this invaluable national asset.

Smt. Meenakashi Lekhi, held a press briefing on the ongoing PM Mementos e-auction, marking the fifth successful edition in this series. She provided insights into the e-auction, set to conclude on October 31, 2023, and highlighted the significant interest it has garnered.

A notable aspect of the event was the curated exhibition of mementos at the National Gallery of Modern Art in Delhi, which attracted over 15,500 visitors. To ensure inclusivity, the exhibition included curated walkthroughs, tours conducted in sign language for hearing-impaired individuals, and tactile experience tours for the visually impaired.

The Minister emphasized the popularity of various items in this round of e-auction, such as the Statue of Lord Laxmi Narayan Vitthal and goddess Rukmini (23A0384), the Kamdhenu with calf memento (23A0776), the Souvenir of Jerusalem (23A0580), the Aranmula Kannadi (23A0039), the Brass statue of Lord Rama, Sita, Laxman, and Lord Hanuman (23A0012), the Statue of Ram Darbar (23A0623), and the Model of Golden Temple Amritsar (23A0404).

Furthermore, the Minister spotlighted indigenous art forms of high artistic value that are suitable for display in museums or the homes of art enthusiasts. These art pieces deserve respect and care. Some of these items include the Gond painting by Padmashri Artist Durga Bai (23A0654), Chamba Rumal (23A0348), Kavad Art (23A0779), the headgear of Yakshagana Dance from Karnataka (23A0543), and the bust of Basavanna in Bidri work (23A0703).In keeping with tradition, the proceeds from this e-auction will contribute to a noble cause, specifically in support of the Namami Gange Programme. This flagship initiative of the Union Government is dedicated to preserving and restoring our national river, the Ganga, and enhancing its delicate ecosystem. The funds generated through this auction will reinforce our unwavering commitment to safeguarding this invaluable national asset.

The general public can participate in the e-auction by logging on this link- https://pmmementos.gov.in/#/

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SKT