Daijiworld Media Network - Belagavi (SP)

Belagavi, Nov 8: A man has installed the plaster of Paris replica of his wife who died after falling sick, in his name.

Shiva Chougule, who got the replica of his wife made, happens to be a former corporator of Belagavi city corporation. His wife, Mainabai, had also served as a corporator of the city for one term.

Mainabai and Shiva Chougule couple became sick during May this year. Shiva Chaugule was infected by coronavirus while his wife suffered from pneumonia. Wife Mainabai was overcome by the worries about sick husband and her own sickness. Out of these worries, she breathed her last on May 11 without responding to treatment.

Shiva Chougule, who was shocked at the sudden death of his wife, decided to get the statue of his wife made and installed at his home as her absence had left a void in his life. As per the advice of astrologers, he ordered a replica of Mainabai. The statue was made in 45 days. On the occasion of Diwali festival, he led the statue home in a grand procession and installed it there. He offers puja to his wife's replica everyday with tears trickling down his eyes.

It has been 30 years since Shiva and Mainabai married each other. They got a daughter after 12 years of marriage. Shiva Chougule knows that his wife died or worries over the coronavirus infection he suffered from.

On the occasion on which the replica was brought home, Shiva had arranged for sumptuous lunch for relatives and friends. The statue has been installed in a room on the upper floor. Shiva has arranged for a separate wardrobe to keep clothing, ornaments and other things which belonged to his wife.

Shiva has set up a foundation in his wife's name through which he dreams of undertaking development works. The locals are appreciative of Shiva's feelings towards his deceased wife.