Chandigarh, Jan 14 (PTI) In a noble step, Haryanaminister Vipul Goel today raised Rs 2.5 crore by auctioningthe gifts and mementos received by him during his tenure.
The amount will be donated to the Prime Minister'sNational Relief fund, an official release said.
The initiative 'I for Humanity' was held in Faridabad, itsaid.
"A sum of more than Rs 2.5 crore was collected from theauction by Vipul Goel, which he decided to donate to the PrimeMinister's Relief Fund," the release said.
Speaking on the occasion, the industry and commerceminister noted that it was his mission to give back to thesociety.
Bollywood actor Randeep Hooda, who was also present atthe event, said film stars often auctioned their clothes orgifts for social work, but such an auction by a politicalleader was a new and inspiring step in itself.
The gift items auctioned by the minister include silvercrowns, silver maces, swords, shawls and paintings. Thehighest bidder was J P Garg of the Knorr Bremse India PrivateLimited who took away a memento for Rs 1 crore, the releasesaid.
The initiative was attended by more than 300 socialites,industrialists and educationists of Delhi-NCR at a hotel inFaridabad. PTI SUNSRY.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.