Bhubaneswar, Oct. 6: True love, they say, never dies, even when a loved one passes away. This sentiment is beautifully exemplified by a businessman from Berhampur city in Odisha’s Ganjam district, who has found a unique way to keep his wife’s memory alive.

After losing his beloved wife, Kiran Nayak, to COVID-19 on April 25, 2021, Prashant Kumar Nayak commissioned a life-size silicone statue of her, now placed in their home to fill the void left by her absence.

Emotionally reflecting on this tribute, the 52-year-old Prashant shares how the statue has brought comfort to him and his family. “When I look at the statue, it feels like she’s still here, alive and talking to me. My children feel the same. The pandemic may have taken her away, but her presence remains strong in our hearts and in our home. Her aura fills the house and won’t fade easily,” he says.

The statue, dressed in a saree, sits gracefully on a sofa, exuding vibrancy and warmth. Kiran’s younger daughter, Mehak, an MBA student, lovingly cares for the statue, frequently changing its sarees and ornaments.

Prashant explained the inspiration behind creating the statue. “After her passing, my children and I were devastated. Her absence haunted us, and we decided to create a statue to keep her presence alive in our home. We found a Bengaluru-based sculptor, who took about a year and a half to craft a perfect likeness using fiber, rubber, and silicone,” he says. The statue, including its production and transportation, cost around Rs 8 lakh.

The statue was installed before his elder daughter's wedding in 2023, ensuring Kiran’s presence was felt during the celebration. Married to Kiran in 1997, Prashant and Kiran had three children—two daughters and a son.

Mehak explains how they selected the perfect image of her mother from several photographs to guide the sculptor. "Every morning, I dress her statue in a fresh saree and ornaments, just as she would have done," Mehak shares, finding solace in this daily routine.

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