Members of the Nek Chand Foundation yesterday visited around twenty Nek Chand sculptures in good condition and in a delightful setting at the Sri Geeta Mandir temple, Ludhiana, Punjab.
‘This is a complete and heartening contrast to our earlier trip to Ludhiana,’ said Japan-based volunteer, John Francis Cross, referring to the 2nd March investigation by three NCF members at the Punjab Agricultural University.
Most of the statues are placed in flower beds surrounding a well kept lawn at the centre of the temple complex and many incorporate growing plants in baskets they carry by hand or head. Another holds a lantern that is lit at night. The concrete and tile creations are gifts over the past decade or so from Rock Garden director Nek Chand to his friend and temple supporter, Ashni Basain.
The Sri Geeta Mandir Hindu temple, built in 1992, is located in the Vikas Nagar area of Ludhiana, Punjab’s largest metropolis, 100 km west of Chandigarh. ‘It’s such a beautiful, peaceful place’ enthused US-based artist and NCF volunteer Gail Trunick. ‘Definitely worth a visit.’ ‘We were made to feel so welcome,’ Canadian NCF volunteer Stephanie Aitken said of the reception by temple staff and dignitaries.
Back at the Rock Garden, Nek Chand said, ‘I always wanted to visit but I did not know the condition of the statues. Now that I have heard your good report I certainly will go.’
See Photo Album for pictures .