The Secret Kingdom: Nek Chand, a Changing India, and a Hidden World of Art

The Secret Kingdom is an inspiring book about Nek Chand and his rock garden in Chandigarh. Nek Chand was born in the tiny village of Berian Kalan in the Punjab region long ago. But when the men with the guns came, his family fled to India because people thought his Hindu family didn’t belong in the area (now known as Pakistan). When he moved to Chandigarh, he made a place out of broken sinks, pots, and bangles. And everyone adored it except some from the government. Unfortunately, Nek Chand died in 2015 at the age of 90, but his spirit stayed and helped inspire others to do the same. Nek Chand went on many interviews and was awarded the Padma Shri. Though he was given awards, some government officials continue to plot to destroy the garden. His rock garden is the world’s biggest visional art environment. His work is inspirational.

The illustration in this book is really great; when comparing it with Nek Chand’s rock garden photos, the paintings are no less than Nek Chand’s great art. Especially the painting of the garden made me feel that I want one like that. This book is good for fifth to tenth graders, young artists, and people who want to change the world somehow. What are you waiting for? Go ahead and dive into a world of ART!