The tallest statue of Jesus Christ in the country was unveiled on the campus of Mar Baselios College of Engineering and Technology in Bethany Hills here on Saturday.
Archbishop Catholicos Baselios Cleemis led the blessing ceremony. The marble-white, 33-feet statue, is situated on the top of a 22.5-feet car porch near the basket ball court of the college.
The statue was constructed by renowned art director Premachandran and his 30-member team. They took only 35 days to complete the work. Premachandran, who had worked in more than 150 films, is also a sculptor and painter.
Auxiliary Bishop Samuel Mar Irenios, college bursar Fr Wilson Thattaruthundil and other prominent personalities attended the blessing function. The statue was constructed in memory of Midhun Markose, an alumnus of the college, who died in an accident three years ago. Midhun’s parents Markose Ryan and Mary Sherin Markose attended the function. Markose Ryan spent around Rs 15 lakh for the construction.
According to Fr Wilson, the college authorities had no plans to construct the tallest statue. “It is only after the construction, we came to know that the tallest statue, which is in Bangalore, is just 29 feet. It is another coincidence that the height of the statue is 33 feet and Jesus was crucified at 33,” he said. The eyes of the statue will light up in the dark as imported radium is painted on it. According to the college authorities, the statue weighs around three tonnes.