Buy luxury items at auction, raise funds for girl child

NEW DELHI - A limited edition Bvlgari watch, photographs by veteran designer J.J. Valaya and an exquisite diamond pendant designed by S.H. Raza are some of the items to be auctioned here Friday. And for a good cause too.

The proceeds will go to the NGO Plan India’s ‘Because I Am A Girl’ campaign. The fundraiser, to be held at the Italian embassy lawns, will see many artefacts, jewellery and lifestyle items go under the hammer.

“It is very important for us to raise funds to support our causes. With auctions such as these, it is easier to reach out to people who can contribute in their own little way for the benefit of the society,” Plan India’s executive director Bhagyashree Dengle told IANS.

“Our cause for this auction is the girl child’s education, and I hope we get a positive response.”

Invitations have been sent out to the who’s who of the capital, and Bollywood actress Rani Mukerji too is expected to grace the event.

This is the first time Plan India has tied up for such an auction, Dengle said, adding she had a lot of faith in the NGO’s patrons. She also said celebrity associations gave such events a boost and should not be thought of as mere publicity stunts.

“After ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, Danny Boyle came and gave almost $750,000 for our five-year project to improve the basic living conditions of many children and their families. So, it surely helps if celebrities and well-known names come forward and help.

“It’s not as though they do this just for publicity. Danny still keeps in touch to know about the project,” she said.

Socialite and Plan India supporter Ramola Bachchan said she was hoping for an overwhelming response.

“It is amazing how the social status of girls has improved over the years. Girls are picking great careers and some of them are leaders in their profession. But there’s still a huge percent of girls in India who are waiting to get the opportunity to show their worth. And this auction is for all of them,” said Bachchan, whose daughter Namrata’s artwork is among the items lined up for auction.

Art enthusiasts may look forward to bidding for works of Akbar Padamsee, Ranbir Kaleka, Sunil Padwal, Hemi Bawa and Seema Kohli, among others.

Couturier J.J. Valaya’s debut photographic works will also be on auction, apart from a limited edition Bvlgari watch - 45th of the only 125 pieces available worldwide.