1,498 treasured mementoes gifted to PM Modi go under the hammer
A unique event to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday unfolded with an e-auction of the mementos presented to him. The base price ranged from Rs 5. 40 lakh to Rs 13. 50 lakh for various gifts, with 1,498 items up for sale. Among the larger representations are objects having provenance in states such as West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Assam, Bihar and Odisha.
A silver replica of Kakatiya Kala Thoranam, a meticulously handcrafted replica of the historic Royal Navy flagship, HMS Victory, and a zardozi embroidery artwork showcasing an architectural depiction of a modern building in Daman are part of the eighth edition of the PM Mementoes e-auction, which began on Thursday.
This edition offers 1,498 mementoes and gifts, presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on several occasions in different parts of the country. It began on the morning of September 17, coinciding with Prime Minister Modi’s 76th.
Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Wednesday told reporters that the e-auction will run till October 31. He had also said that more than 7,400 objects were auctioned during the first seven editions, fetching Rs 52 crore.
The PM Mementoes e-auction celebrates India’s heritage, art, craftsmanship and cultural diversity, while enabling public participation and contributing towards the Namami Gange Programme, the culture ministry said.
The eighth edition also features 50 “identified hero objects”, including a silver memento of Lord Ram from Karnataka with a base price of Rs 13.50 lakh and a silver replica of Kakatiya Kala Thoranam with a starting price of Rs 9 lakh.
A framed tree of life Gond art painting is also up for auction at a base price of Rs 7.5 lakh. Lord Jagannath Parivar on chariot and a gold-plated framed Radha Krishna artwork have also been included in the auction with a base price of Rs 6 lakh and Rs 5.40 lakh, respectively.
The Kakatiya Kala Thoranam, also known as the Warangal Gate, is a stunning architectural masterpiece from the 12th century, originating from the Kakatiya dynasty in India. This historic stone gateway, which was once part of the grand Swayambhu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, is renowned for its intricate carvings and symbolic representation of the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The replica of Lord Ram elegantly depicts the deity standing on an intricately ornamented lotus pedestal, adorned with layers of exquisite jewellery and draped in flowing garments that capture his regal presence. In this remarkable representation, Lord Ram holds a bow and arrow in one hand, symbolising strength and valour, while his right hand is gracefully positioned in the Abhaya mudra, conveying a gesture of fearlessness and protection.
The entire statue is richly detailed, showcasing intricate designs that enhance its spiritual significance and aesthetic appeal, according to the e-auction website.
Also on offer is a model replica of HMS Victory. This model faithfully captures Lord Nelson’s famous vessel, featuring detailed multi-tier gun decks painted in its iconic yellow and black stripe configuration. The ship is mounted securely on brass supports over a polished wooden plinth, complete with an official metal nameplate, and is accented with miniature Indian flags for premium presentation. It has a base price of Rs 2.25 lakh, the website says.
Besides, sports memorabilia containing a pair of running spike shoes, gifted to PM Modi by a Paralympic silver medallist, and a meticulously handcrafted commemorative artwork (base price Rs 1.20 lakh) showcasing an architectural depiction of the modern convention centre in Daman, using zardozi embroidery, also figure in the auction.
A detailed top-view scale model that replicates INS Nilgiri, the lead ship of the Indian Navy advanced stealth guided-missile frigates, with a base price of Rs 66,000; a BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham North America temple miniature 3D model, capturing the stunning architecture of the famous Robbinsville, New Jersey temple, complete with intricate stone-like carvings, multiple majestic spires, and a small decorative flag at the top, with a base price of Rs 4,500, have also gone under the hammer. A magnificent, masterfully crafted commemorative 3D architectural model depicting the Lok Sabha chamber inside the new Parliament House of India is also part of the current e-auction, with a starting bid of Rs 45,000. “This exceptional artefact features detailed relief work, showcasing the triangular architecture, the iconic green parliamentary seating layout, the state emblem of India atop the roof, and dedicated cutouts celebrating the historic women reservation bill (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam),” it adds.
Shekhawat said the collection represents the country’s artistic and spiritual traditions, traditional craftsmanship, cultural practices and sporting achievements.
