In Hyderabad, the laddu from the Lord Sri Ganesha Pandal at Richmond Villa in Sun City, Bandlaguda, fetched ₹1.87 crore during a charity auction, up from ₹1.2 crore last year.
The auction featured 100 participants, including senior doctors, chartered accountants, and CEOs, who formed four groups of 25 members each. The bidding began at a lower amount and escalated as the auction progressed, with one group ultimately securing the laddu for ₹1.87 crore, according to Dr. Subodh Raju, a member of the winning group, who spoke to Deccan Chronicle on Tuesday.
Dr. Subodh Raju, Director of the Neurology department at Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, stated that the ₹1.87 crore raised from the laddu auction will be used to aid underprivileged communities through the RV Diya Charitable Trust. He highlighted that the auction, followed by the immersion of the clay idol in an eco-pond at the villa, reflects the trust’s strong dedication to supporting vulnerable groups. This annual charity auction, held during the Ganesh festivities, is both heartwarming and exemplary in its approach to raising funds for those in need.
Dr. Raju explained that all residents, friends, and donors formed teams to pool money for the charity auction, contributing collectively to the event. Each team ultimately donates the total amount they bid, making it a collaborative effort.
The funds raised will support over 42 NGOs, underprivileged school children, and medical needs of the less fortunate, with the trust’s volunteers working with no administrative costs. Raju noted that the laddu auction, which began eight years ago with an initial amount of ₹25,000, has since grown significantly.
