Centennial birth anniversary of Nek Chand: Celebrations begin at Rock Garden
Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria today inaugurated the grand celebrations marking the 100th birth anniversary of Padma Shri recipient Nek Chand, the visionary creator and Director of the Rock Garden. The week-long event — from December 9 to 15 — is being held at the world-famous tourist place.
The event was also attended by Rajeev Verma, UT Adviser; Mandip Singh Brar, Home Secretary-cum-Chairman of the Rock Garden Society; Nishant Kumar Yadav, Deputy Commissioner; and CB Ojha, Chief Engineer-cum-Member of the society.
The inaugural ceremony began at the Nek Chand Memorial with the lighting of diyas and floral tributes to the wax statue of Nek Chand. Kataria also inaugurated a blood donation camp organised by the society.
The Governor said the Rock Garden exemplified how discarded items could be reimagined as beautiful sculptures, emphasising, “All waste material need not be thrown away, make it a thing of beauty.”
“An extraordinary person has built an extraordinary creation. The Rock Garden is on the check list of all tourists who visit Chandigarh. Padma Shri awarded to Nek Chand in 1984 sends an example that a resolute person can achieve even the impossible,” he added.
Vibrant musical performances and captivating acts by traditional artistes such as “bazigars”, “nachars”, “been-jogis”, “behrupias” and “nagada” players from across the country were also held.
Week-long activities
Each evening, visitors can enjoy mesmerising musical performances at Phase-III of the Rock Garden.
A musical chairs event for the general public will be held every day.
A Millet Mela is being organised to promote sustainable and healthy living practices.
