From February 6 to 9, 2025, the 6th Edition of Mathrumbhumi International Festival of Letters in Kerala (KA Festival) in Kerala became a platform for powerful Ukrainian voices.

Renowned Ukrainian writers Andrei Kurkov, Lyuba Yakimchuk, and Yuliya Musakovska, along with producer Volodymyr Olshanskyi, brought Ukraine’s literary and artistic spirit to the festival, engaging audiences with their work and perspectives, specially in the times of ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine.

The Ukrainian authors took part in different panels with speakers from India and around the world. They also did readings and recitations, bringing their words to life and connecting deeply with the audience, including children and youth.

A special highlight was the presentation of two unique audiovisual projects:

• “Ukrainian-Indian World by Paraska Plytka-Horytsvit” by Volodymyr Olshanskyi, producer of Audiostories Production company.

This project introduced audiences to the remarkable work of Paraska Plytka-Horytsvit (1927-1998), a Ukrainian Hutsul artist, writer, photographer, philosopher, and ethnographer. Fascinated by India, its people, and culture, she created an extraordinary seven-volume handwritten book about India - a work of imagination and artistic vision. Though she never traveled to India, her writings reflect a deep spiritual and intellectual engagement with Indian traditions. This audiovisual project beautifully intertwined Ukrainian and Indian cultural elements, revealing an unexpected yet profound connection between our two nations.

• “Tales of Hope and Courage” - a deeply moving fusion of poetry, music, the sounds of nature and cities affected by war, and visual art. Through this multidimensional experience, Yuliya Musakovska recited own poetry along with various contemporary Ukrainian poets, who are now defending our homeland, offering a poignant reflection of Ukraineʼs turbulent reality due to Russian aggression. Volodymyr Olshanskyi accompanied Yuliya by performing with traditional flute and other instruments. The included poems by Ukrainian writers currently serving in the military, Artur Dron', Liza Zharikova, Fedir Rudyi, Eva Tur, and Ihor Mitrov were translated or edited by the University of Exeter team led by Hugh Roberts. Most works by Yuliya Musakovska from the project were published in her collection “The God of Freedom", available in English translation (Arrowsmith Press, 2024). The project was created by Audiostories Production and led by Volodymyr Olshanskyi.

We thank the Ukrainian team for their dedication and commitment to delivering truth to the respected Indian audience.

It was also a pleasure to share this unforgettable experience with our Polish friends, who have been unwavering in their support for Ukraine. Their collaborative efforts to strengthen Ukrainian culture in the face of Russian aggression are invaluable. We deeply appreciate the ongoing partnership with the Polish Institute New Delhi, as well as the dedication of Krzysztof Hoffmann and Krzysztof Czyżewski.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the organizers of the festival, particularly Mr. Sabin Iqbal and the entire team, for their outstanding efforts in creating such an enriching space for dialogue and creativity, as well as interest to Ukraine and our literary scene.

Looking forward to the 7th Edition of MBIFL!