‘Poets give vision to nations’

Ukranian revolutionary poet Lesya Ukrainka remembered

ISLAMABAD:

Nations are formed in the imagination and vision of poets before appearing on the map of the world, said National Heritage and Culture Parliamentary Secretary Ghazala Saifi on Thursday.

“It is an immense pleasure for me to speak on poetry and poets and especially to speak on such a globally acknowledged poetic figure like Lesya Ukrainka,” she said at an event hosted by the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) and the Embassy of Ukraine in Islamabad on the 150th birth anniversary of Lesya Ukrainka.

The poems and plays of Ukrainka are associated with her belief in her country's freedom and independence.

“Poets speak the language of love, peace and compassion. Poets speak of truth, the truth of human feelings and emotions,” Saifi said.

She said that during her 43 years of sojourn in the world, Ukrainka composed such poems that are still read and appreciated everywhere in the world.

Ambassador of Ukraine Markian Chuchuk said that the Urdu translation of Ukrainka's poetry would open new doors for Pakistan and Ukraine. Today's event has taken the friendship between Pakistan and Ukraine to the public level.

PAL Chairman Dr Yousuf Khushk said: “We will further strengthen literary ties with Ukraine. I strongly believe that countries may differ in various aspects but always stand united in terms of literature and literary achievements.”

Literature reflects human life and with thousands of differences in ways of living and cultural aspects, human life is the same everywhere. He said that the literary ties among nations are mandatory, for they help us to know each other and share our common concerns and achievements.

The Embassy of Ukraine First Lady Madam Tetiana Chuchuk said that Ukrainka’s poetry is based on nature. Themes of humanity, love, and patriotism are very important in her poetry.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 26^th, 2021.