On August 8th, 2024, the Embassy of Ukraine in collaboration with the EU Delegation in India held an Interactive Session "Ukraine & India: Expanding People-to-People Connections" at the Alliance Française de Delhi.
H.E. Mr. Seppo Nurmi, Chargé d'Affaires of the EU Delegation, in his welcoming remarks, stated that cultural and academic exchanges between communities and nations are the key to increasing the understanding and appreciation between people and creating shared experiences. “The spirit and thrive not to lose hope despite what is happening in Ukraine today is another such testament to the perseverance of its people,” – acknowledged Mr. Nurmi.
One of our prominent speakers Dr. Tehnaz Dastoor noted: “The importance of cultural values is an extremely important factor in building resilience among the Ukrainians in their struggle against Russian oppression. It is through this that they protect and record their current situation – through song, poetry, drama, art, music and videography - to capture their living history so that it is recorded for posterity”.
Explaining why people in India know so little about Ukraine, Mr. Bishan Samaddar said the following: “The Soviet regime didn`t want us to know about it (i.e. Ukraine). IIT Bombay scientists were seen as Russians despite all of them actually being Ukrainians. As they came from USSR they were treated like Russians. That is the major problem with history that we have. And it should be overcome”.
Dr. Mridula Ghosh in her presentation “The Ukrainian Satyagraha” reflected on the need for the world to know the truth, which is best done through people-to-people contacts in the area of education and culture. She also narrated all activities of the EEDI project “Ukraine and South Asia: Open Dialogues” supported by the International Reneisssance Foundation. She also spoke about Indian diaspora in Ukraine, its relations with the local community and its contribution to the joint fight for an independent Ukraine. She also highlighted current projects that aim to build interpersonal contacts and expand knowledge about Ukrainian culture and its struggle to preserve its identity.
“Resilience of people in the midst of immense suffering commands considerable respect. I believe this is the example for the whole world. Seeing this gives strength to us also. We should start thinking of building a strong alliance!” – stated Dr. Ghosh.
Mr. Artem Nosko, Minister-Counsellor of the Embassy of Ukraine, in his closing remarks, thanked the speakers for spreading the truth about the current situation in Ukraine and their immense contribution to the development of people-to-people contacts between Ukraine and India.
We are extremely grateful to the esteemed speakers, moderator Mr. Rudroneel Ghosh and the audience for an engaging and insightful discussion!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the EU Delegation in India and the Alliance Française de Delhi who made this event a reality!
Looking forward to further cooperation!
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:
Dr. Tehnaz J. Dastoor - Former Global Coordinator, Children Affected by Mines and War; Child Protection and Child Rights Advocate, Unicef. She was a senior consultant with the UNICEF office in West Bengal where she helped establish the first-of-its-kind Unicef-CII CSR Hub in India. Her work at the Hub has supported programs related to nutrition, early childhood education, maternal and adolescent health and vocational training. Visited Ukraine on the invitation of PEN Ukraine in April 2024.
Mr. Bishan Samaddar - Editor & Director Seagull Books - co-editor of the Pride List, Seagull Books’ LGBTQ series of books. Visited Ukraine on the invitation of PEN Ukraine in April 2024.
Dr. Mridula Ghosh - Professor of International Relations, National University of "Kyiv-Mohyla Academy", the chairman of the board of the East European Development Institute - international historian, human rights defender, political scientist, journalist.
Moderator: Mr. Rudroneel Ghosh - journalist, Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India.
Link for the recording of the event: https://youtu.be/7625u1AjEbk