Another Russian ‘bahu’, but this one’s tale a happy one
Common nationality, different fate.
This tagline could well sum up the experiences of two Russian women in India. For Olga Efimenkova, the Indian odyssey led to domestic acrimony in Agra. However, for Tatiana Zhurilova the desi stint culminated in the so-far blissful matrimony.
The quest for yoga drew Zhurilova, a Russian dentist, to India and turned her into a traditional Indian bahu (daughterin-law).
Zhurilova, native of Ivanovo, Russia, married Banaras Hindu University (BHU) research scholar Manoj Kumar here about a year ago. She is now keen to find a guru who will teach her advanced yoga.
“I developed an interest in yoga after coming to know about the basics from an expert in my country. He is a Russian who advised me to visit India to learn advanced yoga,” says Zhurilova who applies vermillion in the parting of her hair and puts a bindi (red dot) on her forehead, just like a traditional married Indian woman.
“Yoga gives one peace of mind.
My quest for yoga led me to discover true love— Manoj. I have learnt English to communicate with Manoj since he doesn’t know Russian and I don’t understand Hindi. Now, we communicate in English TATIANA ZHURILOVA, Russian who is married to Manoj Kumar
It is a wonderful ancient knowledge. I am in search of a yogi from whom I can learn the advanced stages,” she said.
It was in early December 2014 that Zhurilova landed in Delhi. From there, she went straight to Rishikesh where she met a few yogis and sadhus who regularly practised yoga.
“I told them that I have a deep interest in yoga and want to learn its advanced stages, including asanas, pranayam and meditation,” she recalled.
An expert agreed to teach her advanced yoga. But after three days, she returned to Delhi on December 6, 2014 because she, along with her friend Anna Tovt, were determined to go to Varanasi in the hope of finding the right teacher. It was on the New Farakka Express that she met her future husband Manoj Kumar, who was returning to Varanasi after attending a seminar at JNU.
“When Tatiana came to know that I am a research scholar at BHU, she asked many questions about yoga and the city. We exchanged emails and telephone numbers. I also helped her in exploring Banaras. She stayed here for a few days,” Kumar recalled.
“Then, she decided to fly back to Russia. I went to the station to see her off. We chatted on Facebook for about five months. After that, I proposed to her. At first, she refused and asked for a little time to think the matter over. Later, she said yes,” Kumar added.
She came back to India and the duo tied the knot in July 2015. Asked what drew her to India and made her marry an Indian, Zhurilova said, “My quest for yoga led me to discover true love—Manoj. I have learnt English to communicate with Manoj.”