On Sunday, 9 March 2025, a commemoration ceremony of Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko took place on the day of his birth. In the morning, diplomats, faculty, students, alumni of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, and invited guests marched to the monument to Kobzar in the park opposite the Red University Building and laid flowers at the foot of the monument.

The solemn university ceremony was joined by the staff members of the Embassies of Azerbaijan, Belgium, Croatia, France, Kyrgyzstan, Lithuania, Mexico, Moldova, the Order of Malta, Palestine, Poland, South Africa, and South Korea. Hanna Makarenko, press and public relations specialist of the Media Center Directorate, took part in the event on behalf of the Directorate-General for Rendering Services to Diplomatic Missions.

Volodymyr Ilchenko, First Vice-Rector of the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, noted in his opening greeting:

‘Today, bowing our heads before the monument to the Great Kobzar, we honour his legacy and reaffirm our commitment to the ideals he promoted. We, the representatives of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, are proud to carry his name to the world, representing Ukrainian science, culture and ideas.’

Kseniia Smyrnova, Vice-Rector for International Affairs of the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, added:

‘Shevchenko was an advocate of European ideals of democracy and human rights, which resonate in our current struggle. His works inspire the fight for freedom and human rights around the world. We are grateful to our international friends for their support and solidarity in creating a just and more peaceful world. Together, we can build a future based on the ideals of equality, justice and human rights.’

The event’s programme also included a visit to Taras Hill in Kaniv and a visit to the Kaniv Nature Reserve of KNU.

During the solemnities on Taras Hill, the Dnipro Folk Choir of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv performed songs based on the poet’s poetry and the Ukrainian national anthem.

Volodymyr Buhrov, Rector of the Kyiv National University, addressed the attendees:

‘We stand in the heart of Ukraine. The great genius and prophet Taras Shevchenko came from these blessed lands, travelled the world and returned. His work and his words have become an integral part of our culture, and today, more than ever, they sound like a call for freedom and dignity. Shevchenko’s ideals of freedom, justice and human dignity resonate in the hearts of those who are building Europe, where these values vibrate and inspire the struggle for equality and democracy. Glory to Taras Shevchenko! Glory to Ukraine!’

The commemoration of the Great Kobzar continued with a performance by the Roksolania folk ensemble of Ukrainian music.

…And revived will be the glory

Of Ukraine, and fairer

Will she be, and glow the brighter

In the rays of morning…

Photos credit: Department of Communications of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.