Nek Chand Saini - A Lifestory
Rock Garden'S Visionary: Selftaught Artistry, Sculpted Dreams

The story of a selftaught artist, born in 1924, is a tale of amazing dedication. His amazing work, the Rock Garden in Chandigarh, shows what one person can do. He first worked as a supervisor at the Chandigarh Capitol Complex, designed by the famous architect Le Corbusier. But his real love was making sculptures. Quietly, during his breaks and after work, he started his great project, turning a forgotten place into a magical world. For many years, he worked alone, gathering old things—broken dishes, bottles, and factory trash—to make his detailed sculptures. His art, a mix of traditional art and reused materials, was hidden for almost twenty years. People were amazed when they found his secret garden in 1975, and it quickly became famous. His special style, a mix of surreal and folk art, won him awards in India and other countries. At first, people wanted to tear it down, but many people loved his work, so the Rock Garden was saved. His coworkers said he was very patient and dedicated; one said, "His art shows who he was: pure and simple." His work has inspired lots of artists and still draws visitors from everywhere. His work is in documentaries and even Bollywood movies. His passing in 2015 was a sad day, but his amazing Rock Garden lives on, showing the power of art and a dreamer's strong spirit.