On 25 September, the Embassy of Ukraine in India hosted a meeting of the Ukrainian community, marking several important milestones in its life.

Following the recent community elections, Maryna Akram concluded more than eight years of dedicated service as Head of the Ukrainian Community in India.

A writer, author of seven books and artist, Maryna has been one of the most recognisable voices of Ukraine in India. Through her public engagement, numerous interviews and work with Indian media, she has tirelessly promoted Ukraine while always remaining close to the community and supporting its members. During the most difficult years of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, her voice helped Ukraine to be heard, understood and felt in India.

We express our deepest gratitude to Maryna for her dedication, energy and love for Ukraine, and for everything she has done for the Ukrainian community and Ukraine’s presence in India.

Nadiya Burkovska, an active member of the community, volunteer and writer, has been elected as its new Head. An author of two published books, Nadiya has long been involved in community initiatives. We warmly congratulate her and wish her every success in this important role.

As a symbolic part of the handover, Maryna passed on to Nadiya a Ukrainian flag from the Zaporizhzhia region, signed by people from different parts of the region, including territories now under Russian occupation. For Ukrainian communities around the world, such a flag is more than a symbol of their homeland. It is also a symbol of unity, belonging and protection. This flag is a special reminder of the bond between Ukrainians in India and those at home.

The Ukrainian community in India is also entering a new chapter with the Vyshyvanka Foundation — a legally registered organisation of Ukrainians in India. The Foundation was registered during Maryna Akram’s tenure as Head of the Ukrainian Community in India, marking an important achievement of her many years of work in this role. We sincerely thank Maryna for her persistence and dedication in bringing this process to completion. The registration of the Foundation was also made possible with the important support of Mr. Jasbir Singh Nischal, a long-standing friend of the Ukrainian community and the Embassy of Ukraine in India. Maryna is therefore handing over to the new leadership not only an active and united community, but also a legally established organisation that will provide a platform for developing cultural, community and humanitarian initiatives of Ukrainians in India.

The gathering also became an occasion to honour friends of Ukraine in India. Maryna Akram presented Ukrainian World Congress - Свiтовий Конґрес Українців certificates of “Honorary Friend of the Ukrainian People” to those whose humanity, compassion and friendship have meant so much to Ukraine during these difficult years.

We are deeply grateful to all of them for their support and for everything they continue to do to bring our peoples closer together.

Not all recipients could join us in person. Some are currently outside India, while others are in Ukraine. We will make sure that this recognition reaches every one of them and reminds them how deeply their friendship and support are valued.