THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The mortal remains of the Russian national, who drowned in the sea off Kovalam, were consigned to flames at ‘Shanthi Kavadom’ on Saturday. Mozgovoygicheslav, from St Petersburg, was holidaying with 15 others when tragedy struck him on Wednesday last.
The cremation was held in the presence of his daughter Olga Shchedrova, who flew down from Russia. Mozgovoygicheslav had a special love for the country and its tradition. It was in this context, the friends and daughter of Mozgovoygicheslav decided to cremate him here and immerse the ashes in the sea off Kanyakumari.
The body was taken to the pyre around 4 p.m. Olga along with Mereena, the leader of the 16-member team, Russia’s Honorary Consul Ratheesh C Nair and two other members from the touring team witnessed the rites. All were dressed in white clothes as an act of mourning.
Olga remembered her father as a simple and friendly individual who shared a deep love for India. ”He was a different guy for many as he took care of even the minutest living being around him. He had read about the country a lot before coming down here. He held high regards for Indian culture and was interested in the nation’s philosophy. So by cremating him here, we are fulfilling his wish,” she said.
Mareena, who led the team, found Mozgovoygicheslav, the director involved in the cultural renovation of St Petersburg city, as a jovial and honest individual, who wanted to discover the legacy of India.
He was part of the team which had ventured to study about yoga, meditation and psychology.
”Prior to our arrival, the man had talked about how lucky he was to be here. He also said that he had no other wish to be fulfilled,” she said. Later the ashes were taken by Olga from the crematorium. The immersion will take place in Kanyakumari on Sunday.