A master sculptor
Nek Chand, a master sculptor and an artist of extraordinary ability and intellect, was a legend. He was a genius who conceived a wonderful garden of unique sculptures made of waste building materials, the Rock Garden in City Beautiful. He was a rare combination of innovation, creativity and originality. His passion for work and self-developed skills and expertise made him the master of contemporary art and aesthetics. I salute the genius.
Arun Kumar Sharma, SAS Nagar
Creating gods’ kingdom
The creator of the Rock Garden in Chandigarh was not an ordinary man. He lifted the city’s scrap and built a ‘kingdom of gods and goddesses’. His legacy teaches us a lesson to rebuild urban spaces not just as smart cities but also as clean cities. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Abhisek Verma, Bathinda
He is immortal
Geniuses like Nek Chand live forever. He has set an example that even broken pieces of glass are precious. He is a role model. May his soul rest in peace.
Opinder Kaur Sekhon, Chandigarh
Waste is beautiful!
Famously known as the creator of the Rock Garden (at Chandigarh) that is continuing to spread, like fragrance, Nek Chand has left the message that waste and scrap can be creatively reutilised to build, to make beautiful gardens, sculptures, statues, models and so on. Nek Chand is no more. But by his novel concept, he has become an immortal icon in the field of waste management.
KK Sood, Nangal
A different garden
Nek Chand Saini, with his creative and innovative mind, converted waste to art pieces. The Rock Garden attracts thousands of tourists. Nek Chand worked hard with dedication and devotion to create the ‘garden’ with a difference. He will be always remembered for his genius. Hopefully, his creations will be taken care of in future. They will keep him alive long after he is gone to the other world. Heartfelt condolences to the family of the great wizard.
Wg Cdr Jasbir S Minhas, Mohali
Last salute
The editorial “Last Salute” (June 13) is a befitting tribute to the creative genius of Nek Chand, who gave the Rock Garden to City Beautiful. His creations embody a living example of the importance of the touch of a person who created art out of discarded material. I stood enthralled when I first visited the Rock Garden.
Jagvinder Singh Brar, Patiala
Graven on the rock
The scriptwriter of the Rock Garden, a man of uncommon calibre and aplomb, Nek Chand’s name will be written in the history of Chandigarh for gifting it with a rare work of art produced from waste. The unassuming and softspoken artist created a magical fairyland, a kingdom using stones, gravel, broken cups and plates, bangles etc. He collected them from various places on his bicycle. The Rock Garden attracts tourists from all over the world who are wonderstruck by his unique talent. Today, as we bid him adieu, we feel indebted to him for his vision document: the Rock Garden. His example is graven on the rock. It is worthy of emulation. Au revoir, artist legend!
Ritu Kamra Kumar, Yamunanagar
Nothing is useless
We have lost a man who made us realise that nothing is useless. That is why every broken bangle and every broken plate/saucer smiled at us in the Rock Garden in Chandigarh. Nek Chand’s creations woke one to the value of art, culture and folklore. That’s why it was of special significance. It strengthened the belief in the simplicity of life and the need to live in harmony with all. Nek Chand harmonised diverse materials into a beautiful picture of art.
I have seen the Rock Garden take shape from its initial stages. As students of DAV College, Chandigarh, from 1971-73, we used to visit it often. We were requested to donate broken things. As members of the NSS Club, we went from house to house, collecting 'rubbish'. We would deposit it with Nek Chand ji. He would thank us profusely. I used to write letters to the editor, pleading to the Administration to support Nek Chand, rather than thwart his initiative. At that time, he was a clerk and the authorities did not take him seriously. They failed to recognise the visionary creator that lay inside the humble man.
It was only in the 1980s that his worth was recognised as the nation took note of him. His style of creation started becoming visible in various cities, parks and even homes. In one of the RD parades, a tableau showcased his works. Thereafter, there was no stopping him. He kept expanding and improving the garden. The flow of tourists to the place multiplied. It became a showpiece of Chandigarh. When he died, the third phase of the expansion was in progress. He has left a never-dying idea in our mind. Long live the art of Nek Chand!
Col RD Singh (retd), Ambala Cantt
Humble creator
Nek Chand, creator of the Rock Garden at Chandigarh, was honoured by the Haryana Governor in 1983. He came to receive the honour at the Raj Bhavan on a cycle. On return, the Governor offered him a drop in a car. Nek Chand said, “Thankyou Sir, but I will have to spend Rs 50 on an autorickshaw to come and collect my cycle from here tomorrow.”
Mahavir Jagdev, Chandigarh
Randhawa’s discovery
The simple, rustic, creative genius is no more. Nek Chand has created and ‘left’ so much that he will be remembered forever. It was the late MS Randhawa, who noticed a collection of artistically shaped stones/boulders under a roadside shelter during his one of the evening walks. He ordered that the person be found. He was Nek Chand. Thereafter, Dr Randhawa provided him the required help/facilities to hone his talent. After taking over as VC of PAU, Dr Randhawa selected a site near the PAU Library to display some artworks of Nek Chand. On the artistically shaped big boulders, quotes of great men were carved. Ornamental shrubs were planted and the area around was beautifully landscaped. Nek Chand was invited to the PAU and honoured. I have met him a number of times. It was always inspirational. May God give peace to the departed soul.
SPS Dosanjh, Jalandhar
