Dr Olga Sharma, Phagwara, Punjab
From Russian to Punjabi and from skirts to salwaar kameez was not an easy transition for Dr Olga Sharma, a native of Bellerose presently settled in Phagwara near Jalandhar. Having studied together in Bellarose Medical University since 1992, Dr AD Sharma and Dr Olga Sharma tied a knot in 1996. The duo stayed in Bellarose for four years but then decided to permanently settle in Phagwara. Since 2000, Dr Olga Sharma has lived in Phagwara like a true Punjabi bride and a devoted daughter in law.
It was the love, commitment along with the support from my husband and in-laws that helped me to adapt Punjabi mannerisms,” shares Dr Olga Sharma. She is all smiles as she recounts her testing times as a young daughter- in-law. Initially scared of oil and spices used in Punjabi cuisine, she gradually developed a liking for desi aromas, “The colour of saag was repulsive but now I love eating saag – makki di roti and have an expertise in cooking Punjabi chicken curry, says Dr Olga.
She was also petrified at the thought of dressing up in Punjabi attire but having tried it couple of times, she started liking salwaar kameez. Well versed in Russian and English, Dr Olga Sharma is equally at ease with Hindi and Punjabi as she makes queries about the problems while attending to her patients every day in these languages.”
Dr AD Sharma says,” Even a Punjabi girl would not have made such adjustments.” The couple have three children who have double names ( Indian as well as Russian) Anirudh Nikita Sharma , Aryan Alex Sharma and Arjun Matewai Sharma.