Renown Ukrainian poetess, play writer, feminist Lesya Ukrainka was remembered in Pakistan when Embassy of Ukraine to Islamabad and Pakistan Academy of Letters hosted jointly a colorful seminar on her 150 th birthday anniversary on Feb 25, 2021. A large number of participants attended the activity who belonged to not only from the literary circles but from other segments of society as well. It was first impression of Lesya in Pakistan but it was not the last. She left many hearts and minds impressed with her poems and great patriotism for her nation. Lesya wrote poems and plays in which she conveyed a message to the nation that Ukraine is free country and we are independent nation.
Government of Pakistan was represented by National Heritage and Culture Parliamentary Secretary Ghazala Saifi as chief guest of the event. She said that Nations are formed in the imagination and vision of poets before appearing on the map of the world. It is an immense pleasure for me to speak on poetry and poets and especially to speak on such a globally acknowledged poetic figure like Lesya Ukrainka. Poets speak the language of love, peace and compassion. Poets speak of truth, the truth of human feelings and emotions. She said that during her 43 years of sojourn in the world, Ukrainka composed such poems that are still read and appreciated everywhere in the world.
The host of the memorable event, Chairman Pakistan Academy of Letters, Dr Yousuf Khushk said we will further strengthen literary ties with Ukraine. I strongly believe that countries may differ in various aspects but always stand united in terms of literature and literary achievements. Literature reflects human life and with thousands of differences in ways of living and cultural aspects, human life is the same everywhere. He said that the literary ties among nations are mandatory, for they help us to know each other and share our common concerns and achievements.
Ambassador, H.E Markian Chuchuk thanked Pakistan Academy of Letters for organizing what he said wonderful event for Lesya Ukrainka. He said this is great appreciation of her work. He said that the Urdu translation of Ukrainka’s poetry would open new doors for Pakistan and Ukraine. Today’s event has taken the friendship between Pakistan and Ukraine to the public level.
First Lady of the Embassy ,Tetiana Chuchuk actively played her role in event. She delivered a speech on Lesya and highlighted different aspects of Lesya’s literature and life. She said that Ukrainka’s poetry is based on nature. Themes of humanity, love, and patriotism are very important in her poetry.
Cutural Attaché of the Embassy Dr Olena Bordilovska in her introductory remarks shed light on the personality, work and struggle of Lesya Ukrainka. She said that it was her patriotism that led her to adopt the name Ukrainka that means Woman of Ukraine. She narrated one of Lesya’s poems in Urdu that received huge applaud from the participants.
Ukrainian families in Pakistan, dressed in traditional outfits of their country remained the central in highlighting Lesya’s work and culture of Ukraine. A presentation dedicated to the life and creativity of the great Ukrainian woman was also noteworthy for the audience in which diplomats of different countries including Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Nepal were also present.
Leading Pakistani literature artists also made reports. The song ′′ Old Spring ′′ on the words of Lesya Ukrainka prolunal performed by Anna Sarvar and Sergei Dolenko. The translation of ′′ Forest song ′′ into Urdu language, made by the teacher of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv Yuri Botvinkin, was also presented.
Tazeen Akhtar
