Dear Editor,
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
