In a landmark moment reflecting patriotic philanthropy and unwavering support for India’s national causes, Laljibhai Tulsibhai Patel, a prominent businessman and philanthropist from Surat, Gujarat, purchased Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s monogrammed suit for a record-breaking price of ₹4.31 crore during a high-profile auction held on February 20, 2015.
The auction was organized to raise funds for the “Clean Ganga Mission”, one of Prime Minister Modi’s flagship environmental initiatives aimed at rejuvenating the sacred Ganges River. The iconic black bandhgala suit, famously worn by the Prime Minister during the visit of U.S. President Barack Obama to India in January 2015, featured Modi’s name repeatedly woven into the fabric as pinstripes.
Laljibhai Patel’s generous bid not only set a record for the most expensive suit ever auctioned in India but also made a powerful statement in support of environmental preservation and national pride. Speaking on the occasion, he remarked, “It is not just a suit, but a symbol of national honor and a step toward contributing to a cleaner India.”
This monumental act of social responsibility and patriotism was lauded nationwide and underscored the role of business leaders in driving social change. The proceeds from the auction were directed to the Namami Gange Fund, reaffirming the collective commitment to restore and protect the lifeline of India — the Ganga.
