Funds raised through auctioned gifts received by PM Modi dedicated to Namami Gange project: Meenakashi Lekhi

New Delhi [India], October 23 (ANI): Union Minister of State Meenakashi Lekhi on Monday said that the funds raised through the auctioned gifts and mementoes received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi are dedicated to the Namami Gange project.
The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, is carrying out an e-auction event displaying a splendid array of gifts and mementoes received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This e-auction features an exceptional collection of artefacts showcasing our rich heritage.
Speaking to ANI about the e-auction event, Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi said, "The auction is a very old program of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he used to conduct when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. It used to be conducted under the 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao program."
"After he became the Prime Minister, PM Modi started to auction all the gifts he used to receive. Whatever amount is received through the auction, the amount collected goes to the Namami Gange project," she added
"The program started on October 2, there is time until October 31. A short span of time is left, we expect that no serious buyer is left out and we can prompt a good collection. I want to request all the citizens of the country to make their bids on these pieces and become their rightful owners in these last few days," Lekhi said.
According to an official release from the Ministry of Culture, "This e-auction marks the fifth edition in a series of successful auctions, the first of which was in January 2019."
Union Minister of State for Culture and External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi briefed about the ongoing e-auction and stated that E-Auction is gaining momentum as festivities of Durga Puja and Dusshera are going on.
Lekhi said that in the last 4 editions, over 7,000 items have been put on the 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, said the release.
The funds generated through this auction will contribute to this noble cause, reinforcing our unwavering commitment to safeguarding this invaluable national asset.
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 mementoes at the National Gallery of Modern Art in Delhi, which attracted over 15,500 visitors, said the release.
The release further said, "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."
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, said the release.
As per the release, "The general public can participate in the e-auction by logging on to this link https://pmmementos.gov.in/#/." (ANI)