Hollande, Modi visit Rock Garden in Chandigarh
26 Jan 2016 3:38 AM IST
The iconic Rock Garden here on Sunday hosted two high-profile visitors as Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined French President Francois Hollande for a tour of the place housing sculptures made from industrial and household waste.
Hollande arrived here on Sunday afternoon as he began his three-day visit to India during which, among other things, he will be attending the Republic Day function as Chief Guest.
Modi reached Chandigarh –the city designed by French architect Le Corbusier –around 80 minutes after Hollande's arrival here at 1 PM.
Upon meeting, the two leaders shook hands and hugged each other even as traditional Punjabi folk dance, 'Giddha', was performed to welcome them.
Thereafter, they went straight to Rock Garden, the celebrated creation of Nek Chand, a road inspector with the Chandigarh Administration, which was fashioned using waste items.
The French President took keen interest in viewing the artefacts made from household and industrial waste and other material and also sought details about the artworks, which feature animal and human sculptures made out of bangles, ceramic tiles, bathroom fittings, etc.
Rock Garden creator's son asked to leave before PM's arrival
Son of late Nek Chand, the creator of the iconic 'Rock Garden', on Sunday alleged that a Prime Minister's security official asked him to leave the venue minutes before Narendra Modi joined French President Francois Hollande for a tour of the popular tourist place.
Anuj Saini, Chand's son, said he was asked to 'go out 'despite having an entry card issued by the UT Chandigarh Administration. The incident took place about 10 minutes before the PM's arrival at the Rock Garden around 2.30 pm, Saini said.
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