‘Mini New York in Punjab’: NRI’s Statue of Liberty Replica on Jalandhar Rooftop Takes Internet by Storm

A quiet neighbourhood in Punjab’s Jalandhar has found itself at the centre of attention, thanks to an unexpected addition to the local skyline, a miniature replica of the iconic Statue of Liberty standing proudly atop a residential rooftop.

The unusual installation, built by NRI Gurjeet Singh Matharu, has quickly turned an ordinary home into a local landmark, drawing curious onlookers and sparking widespread discussion on social media.

Matharu, who lived in New York City for over two decades, placed the replica on the fourth floor of his house in the Kishanpura area. What began as a personal tribute to the city he called home for so many years has now become a talking point far beyond his neighbourhood.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the structure, Matharu explained that the idea came from his frequent encounters with the Statue of Liberty during his time in New York. The monument, for him, became deeply intertwined with memories of his life abroad. He decided to bring a piece of that memory back to India in a tangible form.

“The idea came from seeing the Statue of Liberty often in New York and keeping it as a memory of the city when I visit India each year,” he said.

Stopping-by Locals Catch a Glimpse

While the replica was intended as a personal reminder, it has since captured the imagination of locals, many of whom have been stopping by just to catch a glimpse of the rooftop structure.

As images and videos of the installation circulated online, reactions poured in from across the spectrum. Some users noted that unconventional rooftop structures are not entirely new to the region. One user commented, “Mostly in Chandigarh and Mohali they build water tanks in the shape of tractors, balls and other shapes; now he makes Statue of Liberty.”

Others, however, viewed the installation with appreciation. “This is such a unique way to stay connected to memories abroad,” one user wrote. Another added, “Looks like a mini New York in Punjab, quite creative.”

For Matharu, the replica of the world-renowned symbol of freedom and hope now serves as a bridge between his years in New York and his roots in Jalandhar—turning a simple rooftop into a testament of personal journey and cross-cultural connection.

  glimpse, jalandhar, liberty statue, nri, replica, rooftop