Kerala - Palakkad   

Malampuzha Rock Garden getting intrenational attention

Staff Reporter

Journal describes it as a unique cultural and artistic resource

PALAKKAD: The Malampuzha Rock Garden, the second in the country after the one in Chandigarh, is getting international attention and support for its renovation and expansion.

The latest issue of Folk Art Messenger, published by the Folk Art Society of America, in a two-page article, titled Nek Chand's Secret Rock Garden in Kerala, India, describes it as a unique ``cultural and artistic resource.''

``The site is stunning in its scenic beauty; and journey to this remote area is difficult — but extremely rewarding.''

The article by Anton Rajer, an art conservator based in Madison and trustee of the Nek Chand International Foundation, says, ``When viewed as a whole, the Malampuzha garden radiates the magical quality of its much larger sibling in Chandigarh, a 30-acre site.''

``Nek Chand's Kerala Rock Garden remains virtually unknown outside of India. The site has not received significant international attention due, in part, to its remote location.''

``A second and little-known rock garden by Indian sculptor and environmental builder Nek Chand has come to light. Although smaller and not built under Nek Chand's direct supervision, the Malampuzha Rock Garden has many features similar to the artist's original rock garden in Chandigarh, approximately 1,000 miles to the North,'' the article begins.

It goes on to say that international volunteers will work with local artists, some of whom were among the original artists who built the Malampuzha garden, to renovate and expand the garden. The work is scheduled to begin in November.

The renovation and expansion of the garden are being taken up jointly by the Nek Chand Foundation and the Tourism Department. The foundation is now partnering with the State Government to provide technical support for the site's conservation.

The article says that a programme has been initiated to restore the garden, to complete phase two, to increase the number of visitors. Site condition survey was carried out under the leadership of the District Tourism Promotion Council.

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