47 gift articles worth Rs 8,81,500 deposited between Jan-May this year
A cricket bat worth Rs 1 lakh that was signed by legendary cricketer Sir Gary Sobers, and a statue of Vajrapani received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a gift are among the 47 items deposited to the Toshakhana between January and May this year amid the Covid pandemic. The treasure trove data shows between January and May this year, the Toshakhana has listed 47 articles worth Rs 8,81,500. Some of the gifted articles are yet to be evaluated.
As per the Toshakhana records, Modi had deposited 16 items and is the highest contributor to the treasure trove which include the bat of Sir Garfield Sobers; silver boat encased in glass worth Rs 1 lakh; three commemorative silver coins, one watch (evaluation of price is under process), and statue of Vajrapani worth Rs 1 lakh. Besides, carpets, books, framed paintings, photo frames, one set of tie and cufflinks and several other gifted items, which Modi received have been contributed to the Toshakhana.
Army chief MM Naravane comes in the second spot by contributing 12 gift items which include several momentos and 3 coffee table books.
Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar comes third by contributing eight items which include one showpiece (Pearl) worth Rs 2 lakh, a souvenir plate, show piece Ashok Pillar; different types of stone pieces in one small box, mementos and a dinner set.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has deposited a replica of submachine gun along with 6 rounds (along with certificate dated 04.09.2020) and a replica of Pistol along with 6 rounds (along with certificate dated 23.06.2020).
MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi has deposited one brass jug with peacock mounted on top and a brass jug/pot with Lord Ganesha and Sheshnaag mounted on top to the Toshakhana.
Vikram Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India, Dhaka has contributed Lapel pin (mujib 100 marking gold with diamond border) to Toshakhana. The evaluation of this item is still under process.
In December 2020, Toshakhana has listed 14 gifted items which include One Brass Buddha with Wooden Base 18x18x24 worth Rs two lakh; RADO Match Point Ltd Edition (Male) worth Rs 3.79 lakh; Rolex Oyster Perpetual (Male) worth Rs 5.79 lakh; Gold Bangles ( ladies) worth Rs four lakh and One Brass Buddha with Wooden Base 18x18x24 worth Rs two lakh. The total value of 14 gifted items was Rs 1613500.
As per protocol, all gifts received by the Prime Minister and other officials from overseas have to be deposited in Toshakhana for evaluation. A Toshkhana is a treasure house wherein gifts that are received as honour are kept. It could be anything - paintings, sarees to other artefacts. It is managed by the MEA. The MEA has its own rate of evaluation done by dedicated personnel. As per a June 1978 gazette notification, every gift received by a person during an official visit should be deposited in the Toshakhana within 30 days of his return.
Recipients are allowed to keep gifts, worth less than Rs 5,000. If it exceeds the limit, recipients can retain the present only after paying extra. The Toshakhana officials are then required to assess the worth of the gift in the Indian market.
