Mumbai, March 9, 2011: Here’s giving all the keen book lovers a chance to read for a good cause. eBay India (www.ebay.in), India’s leading eCommerce marketplace, in association with Macmillan India announces the charity auction of five of Jeffrey Archer newest best seller, Only Time Will Tell, autographed by the author himself & available in hardback. The first charity auction goes live on March 9, 2011 and will be live until March 12, 2011. The start price is Re. 1. All the proceeds from the charity auction will benefit Room to Read India, which seeks to transform the lives of millions of children in developing countries by focusing on literacy and gender equality in education.

For the ardent collectors in a hurry, the autographed & hardbound copies of Only Time Will Tell are also available on fixed price at Rs. 5000. For the book lover on a budget, they can snag the paperback edition at Rs. 195 also on eBay India.

Jeffrey Archer shares, “Supporting charity through my books is wonderful. There wouldn’t be too many hardbacks in India so if you buy one you will stand out. I urge people to buy it, be different and support a good cause”.

Ms. Deepa Thomas, Senior Manager - Pop Culture, eBay India says, “eBay India is committed to providing charities a platform to raise funds through the auction of unique celebrity memorabilia & what can be more unique than an autographed copy of Jeffrey Archer’s newest best seller. We are very proud to be associated with Jeffrey Archer as well as Room to Read.”

Mr. Daniel Watts, Regional Director (India and Asia) PAN Macmillan, Macmillan India says, “Macmillan India is extremely proud to partner with Room to Read foundation to support a noble cause. We encourage all ardent readers to log onto eBay India and bid generously as all the proceeds will help brighten up lives of young children.”

Mr. Rajesh Bhattacharya, Development Officer, Room To Read says, “It is stimulating to know that eBay is taking this initiative for a wonderful cause. The proceeds of this auction would help us reach many more children with quality education. The United Nation estimates majority of world’s illiteracy to be concentrated in India by the next 20 years. We can change this trend with your support. Participate in this noble exercise and buy the books.”

So, log on to eBay India today itself and do your bit to support this noble cause!

About eBay India

eBay India ( www.eBay.in ), India 's leading online marketplace, is India 's biggest online trading community where anyone can sell or buy almost anything. eBay India is a trading platform offering auctions, fixed price and classifieds modes of person-to-person trading. There is a wide range of products listed on eBay India in an array of categories including Technology, Lifestyle, Collectibles and Media. eBay India is a 100% subsidiary of eBay Inc.

About eBay India’s Charity Fundraising programme

eBay India Charity Fundraising programme is a special section dedicated to NGOs & Socially Responsible Corporates and enables recognized charities to create awareness, raise funds and also list products for sale to millions of global and Indian users. In India, eBay has raised funds for NGOs through celebrity and high profile listings as well as direct donations. Log on to www.ebay.in/charity to know more.

About Room to Read

Room to Read India believes that World Change Starts with Educated Children. We envision a world in which all children can pursue a quality education that enables them to reach their full potential and contribute to their community and the world. Room to Read India seeks to transform the lives of millions of children in developing countries by focusing on literacy and gender equality in education. Working in collaboration with local communities, partner organizations and governments, we develop literacy skills and a habit of reading among primary school children, and support girls to complete secondary school with the relevant life skills to succeed in school and beyond.

For further information, please contact:
Perfect Relations
Niharika Wandrekar l nwandrekar@perfectrelations.com l 98200 66 662
Takshila Chheda l tchheda@perfectrelations.com l 99200 95 751

For further information, please contact:
Deepa Thomas | dthomas@ebay.com
Mayuri Pal | mapal@ebay.com
eBay India
Tel: + 91-22-6669000
eBay.in/mediacentre