Lotus base for Lady Liberty: Thomas Tharyan’s unique symbol of two nations

KOCHI: For Thomas Tharyan, a 77-year-old native of Njarakkal, the heart beats for two nations: India and the United States. To celebrate this dual affection, Thomas didn't just buy a souvenir—he built a landmark.

Standing proudly in his backyard is a 20-foot replica of the Statue of Liberty. While the original was a gift from France to America, this version is a personal tribute to the country Thomas grew to love during his career. Thomas spent 26 years working in the computer project control department for Aramco in Saudi Arabia. Back in 1975, when he joined, Aramco was still American-owned, and his decades with the company fostered a deep admiration for the "Land of the Free."

However, Thomas’s statue is more than just a copy; it’s a cultural bridge. To honour his home country:

• The Base: The statue stands atop a massive lotus, India’s national flower.
• The Guardians: Two lions flank the base, adding a regal, Indian touch to the crowned Lady Liberty.

The project was no small feat. Twelve years ago, Thomas commissioned sculptor Cletus from Paravur to bring the vision to life. Built using TMT bars, sand, and cement, the monument cost approximately ₹10 lakh. It was constructed in five separate sections, transported to Njarakkal by truck, and carefully assembled on-site.

Today, the backyard attraction has become a local celebrity in its own right. Many tourists heading to the popular Cherai Beach now make a detour through Njarakkal just to catch a glimpse of this unique symbol of freedom.

Thomas, who retired in 2001, lives in Njarakkal with his wife, Alphonsa. Their daughter, Toyo, shares in the pride of a backyard that effectively brings a piece of New York Harbour to the coast of Kerala.

Gift from France

The Statue of Liberty was a gift of international friendship from the people of France to the United States, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence. Standing 93 meters tall from the ground to the tip of the torch, the monument was officially dedicated on October 28, 1886. To make the journey across the Atlantic, the statue was disassembled into 350 individual pieces and packed into 214 crates before being shipped to New York Harbour.