The Long Night of Literatures, an annual festival organised by the EUNIC Cluster in India, brings together writers from across Europe.
This year’s edition featured 14 authors from different countries, offering Indian audiences a rich and diverse literary experience.
As part of this programme, Ukrainian poet, sound performer, translator, and experimental artist Jurij Zawadski visited India to engage with readers in Kolkata and New Delhi.
From 18 to 19 November, Jurij participated in the Kolkata segment of the festival, taking part in readings and conversations with students and literature enthusiasts.
From 19 to 22 November, he continued his participation in New Delhi, joining public discussions, readings, and interactions alongside fellow international authors.
Throughout the festival, Jurij presented his poetry in Ukrainian and Polish, performed sound-poetry pieces, and — speaking in Ukrainian — introduced audiences to his artistic approach, the evolution of his style, and the significance of experimental literature in Ukraine today.
He also highlighted the newly published Bengali-language translations of Taras Shevchenko by Dr. Mridula Ghosh, released earlier this year by Jadavpur University Press.
His sessions drew diverse audiences, from university students to established scholars. Participants noted the originality of his artistic voice and the emotional depth of his performances. Jurij’s openness and engagement with listeners created a vibrant atmosphere and encouraged meaningful conversations about modern Ukrainian culture.
Jurij Zawadski (Iurii Zavadskyi) is a Ukrainian poet, sound-poetry performer, translator, and experimental artist whose work bridges literature, performance, and digital media. He holds a PhD in Literary Theory, serves as Editor-in-Chief of Krok Publishing House, teaches at the Kremenets Academy, and has authored numerous poetry collections and sound-poetry albums. His works have been translated into several European languages.
In 2022, he was awarded Poland’s Gloria Artis Medal for his contribution to promoting Polish literature in Ukraine.
The Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of India expresses its sincere gratitude to the Polish Institute New Delhi, the EU Delegation to India, and the Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan for their invaluable support in bringing the Ukrainian author to this festival and for their continued commitment to cultural cooperation.
This year’s Long Night of LiteratureS Festival once again highlighted the strength of international dialogue and the growing interest in Ukrainian literature among Indian audiences.