Octogenarian carves out masterpieces from dead trees

An octogenarian from the Model Town Extension here, Dr RS Nanda, a renowned skin specialist, has been carving out masterpieces from dead trees. He had transformed a once-barren land into a lush green oasis, now famously known as Dr Nanda Park.

Spanning over 1 km, the only big park in the city, this serene place boasts of an impressive array of flora, including birds, medicinal plants and a unique cactus garden. Dr Nanda, who devotes only one hour to practice, spends hours everyday in the park.

He has passion for gardening for the past over 30 years, during which he has personally planted every tree and shrub in the park. His dedication has earned him recognition and the park has become a popular spot for residents to relax and unwind.

A notable feature of the park is Dr Nanda’s creative approach to preserve dead trees. He skillfully carves and shapes the trees, giving them a new life. One such example is ‘Menaka’, a celestial nymph tree, crafted from a dying tree while the magnificent 22.5-ft-tall sculpture of Rishi Vishwamitra has become the crowning jewel of the public park. The extraordinary artwork was crafted from a dead tree, bringing the ancient sage to life.

“I worked tirelessly on the sculpture during the Covid-19 pandemic, pouring my heart and soul into what may be my final creative endeavour. I encountered challenges in sourcing materials, including a kamandal (a mythical water pot) that he eventually obtained from Varanasi. To add a touch of realism, I fixed a wig and beard to the sculpture, which I ordered online. I painstakingly spent two years perfecting the sculpture, gathering materials from various sources to give it a lifelike appearance. However, protecting these delicate features from birds proved to be a challenge. I devised a creative solution by installing an iron umbrella to shield the sculpture’s head,” he said.

Interestingly, Dr Nanda has also created a table for birds, complete with water and food. The park’s herbal garden is another highlight, featuring over 50 medicinal plants sourced from various parts of the country, including anantamool, aloe vera, ashwagandha, shatavari, yach, insulin and pipli magh. Dr Nanda’s goal is to make children aware of the importance of such plants.

The cactus and succullent garden, boasting over 200 varieties, is a rare gem in the state. Dr Nanda’s objective is to conserve and preserve endangered species while creating an attraction for visitors.

The park is also a haven for birds, with over 3,500 trees and plants providing shelter and sustenance. Dr Nanda ensures that food and water are regularly provided for birds and a family of owls has made the park their permanent home. Regular visitors to the park include around 200-250 people.

The octogenarian’s message to the younger generation is to plant at least five trees in their lifetime and nurture them like family members.

“I am already 82-year-old and as I am growing older, I sometimes worry about who will care for and protect my creations in the future. Despite these concerns, till my last breath, my dedication to art and conservation will continue to inspire and enrich the community,” asserts Dr Nanda.

He said his devoted more than 30 years of his life to make this jungle like land into a living space.

“Whenever anyone asks my family Dr Nanda lives in the house, members would always reply, he stays in the park but he pays visits often to the house every day,” he asserted.

Harjeet Singh, a resident of Daad village and a friend of Dr Nanda, said he daily travels kilometres to spend time in the park, which he calls a heaven.” I also help Dr Nanda in maintaining the park and taking care of plants,” he added.

Dr Nanda said he took two years to develop a model of Dal Lake in the park where besides a boat, he carved tortoise designed stones and even painted the floor to create an impression of waves in the lake.