Governor of Punjab and Administrator UT Chandigarh Inaugurates Centennial Birth Anniversary Celebrations of Padma Shri Late Sh. Nek Chand at Rock Garden
Inaugurates Blood Donation Camp to Honor Nek Chand’s Legacy
Week-Long Festivities at Rock Garden will Highlight Regional Culture and Sustainability
The Voice of Chandigarh News
The Governor of Punjab and Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria, inaugurated the grand celebrations marking the 100th birth anniversary of Padma Shri Late Nek Chand, the visionary Creator and Director of the Rock Garden. The week-long event, from December 9 to December 15, 2024, is being hosted at the iconic Rock Garden, Chandigarh.
The event was graced by the presence of Rajeev Verma, IAS, Adviser to the Administrator, Mandip Singh Brar, IAS, Home Secretary-cum-Chairman of the Rock Garden Society, Nishant Kumar Yadav, Deputy Commissioner, and C.B. Ojha, Chief Engineer-cum-Member of the Rock Garden Society, along with other senior officers of the Chandigarh Administration.
The inaugural ceremony began at the Nek Chand Memorial within the Rock Garden, where the lighting of diyas and floral tributes to the wax statue of Late Nek Chand set a reverent tone. Kataria also inaugurated a Blood Donation Camp organized by the Rock Garden Society, which saw enthusiastic participation from the public.
The Governor applauded Nek Chand’s vision, stating that the Rock Garden exemplifies how discarded items can be reimagined as beautiful sculptures, emphasizing, “All waste material need not be thrown away; make it a thing of beauty.” The Chief Guest, Gulab Chand Kataria further said, “An extra ordinary person has built an extra ordinary creation. Rock Garden is on the check list of all tourists who visit Chandigarh. Rock garden Due to Rock Garden, built due to efforts of one person Padam awarded to Nek Chand ji in 1984 sends an example that a resolute person can achieve even the impossible.”
The Governor noted that this sustainable practice not only beautified urban spaces but also inspired future generations to appreciate the potential of recycling and environmental consciousness. He urged citizens to embrace Chand’s legacy as a source of inspiration for creativity and sustainability in their own lives.
While inaugurating the camp, the Governor emphasized the critical role of blood donation in saving lives and commended the society for integrating this noble cause into the centennial celebrations. He encouraged attendees to embrace the spirit of giving, which reflects the values upheld by Nek Chand’s visionary legacy.
The program was further enriched with vibrant musical performances and captivating acts by traditional artists such as Bazigar, Nachar, Been-Jogi, Behrupia, and Nagada players from across the country. These performances celebrated India’s rich regional heritage, embodying Nek Chand’s ethos of inclusivity and cultural diversity.
The week-long celebration promises an array of engaging activities for the public. Each evening, visitors can enjoy mesmerizing musical performances at Phase-III of the Rock Garden. A musical chairs program, open to the general public, will add a lighthearted and interactive element to the festivities. Additionally, a Millet Mela has been organized to promote sustainable and healthy living practices, showcasing the nutritional benefits of millets in line with India’s focus on sustainable agriculture.
