Vinod Bhat
New Delhi: Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat today launched the 8th Edition of the PM Mementos e-Auction in New Delhi, in the presence of Shri Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture. The auction offers citizens, collectors, institutions and art and culture enthusiasts an opportunity to acquire unique mementos presented to the Hon’ble Prime Minister on various occasion. The 8th Edition of the PM Mementos e-Auction will commence from 17th September 2026 onwards through the official portal www.pmmementos.gov.in.
Addressing the media, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that a total of 1,498 mementos is being offered in this edition. He added that the collection reflects the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India and includes objects representing the country’s artistic traditions, traditional craftsmanship, cultural practices, spiritual traditions and sporting achievements. The mementos have been sourced from different parts of the country, giving the collection a distinct pan India character.
The Union Minister highlighted that the State-wise representation in the collection further demonstrates India’s geographical and cultural diversity. He noted that among the larger representations are mementos from West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Assam, Bihar and Odisha. Shri Shekhawat further informed that the 8th Edition features 50 identified Hero Objects, representing some of the distinctive pieces in the collection. These include a Silver Memento of Lord Ram from Karnataka, with a base price of ₹13.50 lakh; a Silver Replica of Kakatiya Kala Thoranam, with a base price of ₹9 lakh; a Framed Tree of Life Gond Art Painting, with a base price of ₹7.50 lakh; Jagannath Parivar on Chariot, with a base price of ₹6 lakh; and a 99.99 Fine Gold-Plated Framed Radha Krishna Artwork, with a base price of ₹5.40 lakh.
Shri Shekhawat said that the PM Mementos e-Auction has been organised through successive editions and has witnessed participation from citizens, collectors and institutions. He noted that the initiative provides a transparent mechanism for making these mementos accessible to the public while creating an opportunity to appreciate India’s diverse artistic and cultural traditions. Highlighting the significance of the initiative, the Minister said that an important feature of the PM Mementos e-Auction is that the proceeds from the auction are transferred towards the Namami Gange Programme. He said that the initiative thus creates a meaningful connection between India’s cultural heritage and the national mission for the rejuvenation and conservation of the River Ganga.
The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), New Delhi, under the Ministry of Culture, has coordinated the documentation, exhibition and operational aspects of the initiative. The process involves coordination with various stakeholders, including NIC for technical and portal-related support, concerned authorities for evaluation and valuation, SBI for payment gateway support, and the designated Fine Art Handling Agency for packing and delivery of successfully purchased objects.
An accompanying exhibition will provide visitors an opportunity to view the mementos and appreciate their artistic and cultural significance before participating in the e-auction. The exhibition will also enable the public to explore the diversity of India’s traditional crafts, artistic practices and cultural expressions represented in the collection.
The Ministry of Culture invites citizens, collectors, institutions, corporates, art enthusiasts and members of the public from India to explore the collection, visit the exhibition and participate in the 8th Edition of the PM Mementos e-Auction.
The PM Mementos e-Auction is an initiative that celebrates India’s heritage, art, craftsmanship and cultural diversity, while enabling public participation and contributing towards a significant national cause through the Namami Gange Programme.
