Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens to participate in an ongoing online auction of gifts and mementos he has received during official events, with all proceeds earmarked for the government’s flagship river conservation initiative, Namami Gange.
The auction, hosted on the official portal pmmementos.gov.in, features a diverse collection of items presented to the Prime Minister at public functions and state visits. These mementos showcase India’s rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship, encompassing traditional artworks and handicrafts, as well as memorabilia from national programs and international dignitaries.
Modi announced the event on social media, describing the collection as “very interesting works which illustrate the culture and creativity of India,” and encouraged citizens to “take part in the auction,” noting that all funds raised will directly support efforts to rejuvenate the Ganga River.
The Namami Gange Programme, launched in 2014, is a key government initiative aimed at cleaning and restoring the Ganga, one of India’s most important and sacred rivers. The programme focuses on pollution abatement, river-surface cleaning, afforestation, and the development of riverfront infrastructure to promote sustainable tourism and community engagement.
This is not the first time the Indian Prime Minister has auctioned personal gifts for environmental causes. Previous editions of the auction have attracted significant public interest, with rare collectibles—including sports memorabilia, traditional artworks, and culturally significant artifacts—drawing competitive bidding from across India and abroad.
By linking the auction to Namami Gange, the government aims to raise both funds and awareness for the preservation of the river’s ecology. Interested participants can view the catalogue of items and place bids online, with the auction open for a limited period.
