“While for collectors it is a rare prize; for the Rashtrapati Bhavan, it is a powerful way to turn history into hope,” said the President’s office. File
| Photo Credit: The Hindu
With bids crossing ₹17 lakh, the ₹10,000 specimen banknote gifted to former President Pranab Mukherjee has become the star attraction of the ongoing E-Upahaar Season 2 – the e-auction of the Presidential Gift Collection 2025.
The auction went live on the E-Upahaar portal on July 25, 2025. In view of the overwhelming response from citizens, it has been extended till October 15, said the President’s office.
The e-auction, inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu, features over 250 gifts received by successive Presidents from dignitaries, students, entrepreneurs, and citizens. Only Indian citizens can take part in the auction, which requires an Aadhaar-based registration. Once the auction concludes, the items will be delivered to the successful bidders.
“While for collectors it is a rare prize; for the Rashtrapati Bhavan, it is a powerful way to turn history into hope,” said the President’s office.
Global standing
“In light of the enthusiastic participation, the auction process is being extended allowing more collectors, art lovers, and citizens to join this unique initiative. Building on the resounding success of the inaugural edition in 2024, which witnessed participation from every corner of the country, E-Upahaar 2025 brings together gifts that are cultural artefacts or diplomatic mementoes – which symbolises India’s unity in diversity, service, and global standing,’’ it said.
Items on the list include a handcrafted Jaapi from Assam, historically worn by farmers and later by royalty, a wooden chariot depicting Krishna and Arjun, and a brass elephant gifted to former President Pratibha Patil.
This edition showcases a rich assortment of cultural and artistic treasures, including a statue of Maharshi Valmiki, a wooden Ganesha sculpture, wooden rhino, a finely detailed silver leaf, and many more interesting pieces of art. Gift items are grouped into categories such as traditional art and painting, divine art, models, and mementoes.
Welfare fund
The e-auction platform, designed by the National Informatics Centre, enables real-time bidding. Starting bids range from ₹4,300 to ₹4,02,500. Citizens can place their bids on https://upahaar.rashtrapatibhavan.gov.in/#/.
All the proceeds from this year’s edition will support programmes aimed at empowering women, children, and other noble causes, transforming symbols of honour into instruments of hope and impact, said a note from the President’s office.
“E-Upahaar stands out for its transparency and inclusivity. Rashtrapati Bhavan is uniquely placed to democratise heritage; no other institution receives such a wide spectrum of gifts – tokens from schoolchildren, gifts from States and global leaders, etc. By auctioning them, it has transformed a private protocol into a public participatory act where citizens need not be passive spectators of national heritage but can become custodians of it. And in buying, they also give, because the proceeds flow directly into social programmes,” it said.
Published – October 04, 2025 11:08 pm IST
