Russian woman living in India debunks common myths about the country, earns netizens' praise
A Russian woman living in India has gone viral for a post that challenged what she called “outdated stereotypes” people abroad still believe about the country. From language diversity to modern infrastructure, her honest observations have struck a chord with Indians online for their warmth and accuracy.
In her post, shared on Instagram , Anastasia Sharova listed several misconceptions she often hears from foreigners and corrected each one using facts and first-hand experience.
India’s languages and diversity
Sharova began by addressing one of the most common myths - that India has only one language.
“There are 22 official languages and 121 major languages, with thousands of minor ones, all widely spoken,” she wrote.
Another stereotype she dismissed was that India is “dirty and chaotic.”
“There are different sides to the country, and it’s developing very rapidly,” she said.
She also highlighted India’s technological progress and convenience, adding, “Click a button, and everything is at your doorstep in 5 minutes.”
Sharova further explained that Diwali is not the only festival celebrated in India.
“Onam, Navratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, Dusshera, Durga Pooja, Narkasur … every region has its own festivals and they are UNIQUE! I hope to experience them all in my life time,” she wrote.
She noted that Bollywood is only one part of India’s vast film industry.
“Regional film industries like Tollywood and Kollywood are going strong,” she said.
Sharova also spoke about India’s geography and lifestyle.
“There is a variety of climate zones. You can find EVERYTHING here: snow, ice, desert, you name it,” she wrote.
She dismissed the belief that India is mainly for cheap travel.
“India has the most unique LUXURY experiences! I don’t think that any other country in the world has so many original palaces where you can actually live,” she said.
Tourism and train travel
Discussing travel within the country, she wrote, “There are many more [tourist spots] that are no less impressive. My personal top list includes: Hampi, Ellora and Ajanta Caves, Forts of Rajasthan, and many more I haven’t seen.”
“There are different types of trains and classes. It’s organized in a way, that EVERYONE can afford to travel by train. Pay a little more, and you’ll have one of the most comfortable and picturesque journeys of your life!” she said.
Addressing social misconceptions, Sharova said, “Not every marriage is arranged- 99% of people around me had a love marriage.”
Her post ended with a sentiment that resonated deeply online: “Many people I know moved back to India because they realised they don’t want to live anywhere else.”
In her post, shared on Instagram , Anastasia Sharova listed several misconceptions she often hears from foreigners and corrected each one using facts and first-hand experience.
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India’s languages and diversity
Sharova began by addressing one of the most common myths - that India has only one language.
“There are 22 official languages and 121 major languages, with thousands of minor ones, all widely spoken,” she wrote.
Another stereotype she dismissed was that India is “dirty and chaotic.”
“There are different sides to the country, and it’s developing very rapidly,” she said.
She also highlighted India’s technological progress and convenience, adding, “Click a button, and everything is at your doorstep in 5 minutes.”
Sharova further explained that Diwali is not the only festival celebrated in India.
“Onam, Navratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, Dusshera, Durga Pooja, Narkasur … every region has its own festivals and they are UNIQUE! I hope to experience them all in my life time,” she wrote.
She noted that Bollywood is only one part of India’s vast film industry.
“Regional film industries like Tollywood and Kollywood are going strong,” she said.
Sharova also spoke about India’s geography and lifestyle.
“There is a variety of climate zones. You can find EVERYTHING here: snow, ice, desert, you name it,” she wrote.
She dismissed the belief that India is mainly for cheap travel.
“India has the most unique LUXURY experiences! I don’t think that any other country in the world has so many original palaces where you can actually live,” she said.
Tourism and train travel
Discussing travel within the country, she wrote, “There are many more [tourist spots] that are no less impressive. My personal top list includes: Hampi, Ellora and Ajanta Caves, Forts of Rajasthan, and many more I haven’t seen.”
“There are different types of trains and classes. It’s organized in a way, that EVERYONE can afford to travel by train. Pay a little more, and you’ll have one of the most comfortable and picturesque journeys of your life!” she said.
Addressing social misconceptions, Sharova said, “Not every marriage is arranged- 99% of people around me had a love marriage.”
Her post ended with a sentiment that resonated deeply online: “Many people I know moved back to India because they realised they don’t want to live anywhere else.”
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