Ukrainian literature at the International Kolkata Book Fair for the first time
Ukraine’s programme at the Book Fair brought together contemporary Ukrainian prose, poetry, and classical heritage in Bengali and English translations. A special focus was placed on the live presence of authors and translators, making it possible to speak about Ukrainian literature not only as texts, but as lived experience, voice, and the cultural context of a country that continues to create under the conditions of war.
The first event of the programme introduced audiences to contemporary Ukrainian literature in Bengali and English translation. The event was opened by Ukrainian writer Lyubko Deresh, who spoke about life and culture during the full-scale war and read an excerpt in English from his wartime novel The Medusa’s Gaze.
The poetry of Yuliia Musakovska was presented in Bengali in translations published in the literary journal Kabitirtha. The translations were introduced by the journal’s editor Sri Amal Kumar Mondal and read by translator Sri Debasis Das. Excerpts from works by Zhanna Sloniowska were read in Bengali by Sulagna Mukhopadhyay from the Bengali edition published by Rritobak. Poetry by Iryna Vikyrchak was read in Bengali by Sunandan Roychowdhury (published by Sampark) and in English by Sulagna Mukhopadhyay.
The second event at the Book Fair was dedicated to Taras Shevchenko and the publication of Bengali translations of his works. On 25 January 2026, a public discussion took place at Mahasweta Devi Hall on the occasion of the publication of selected texts by Shevchenko translated by Dr Mridula Ghosh and published in 2025 by Jadavpur University Press. This is the first translation of Kobzar of such scope into the languages of South and Southeast Asia.
The discussion featured Prof. Abhijit Gupta, Head of Jadavpur University Press, Prof. Nandita Bagchi, literary scholar, journalist Riju Basu, Ukrainian writer Lyubko Deresh, and Andrita Mahanand, Grand Prix winner of the international Shevchenko recitation competition, who read “Zapovit / Testament” in Ukrainian and Bengali. Ukraine was also represented at the event by Volodymyr Prytula, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Ukraine.
We extend our special gratitude to Dr Mridula Ghosh – translator, researcher, human rights advocate, and journalist – who has been living in Kyiv for several years and consistently works to bring Ukrainian classical literature to Indian readers. Her work serves as an important cultural bridge between Ukraine and India, especially at a time when Ukraine is enduring constant russian shelling of civilian infrastructure.
The participation of Ukrainian writer Lyubko Deresh and translators in the Book Fair programme, along with public readings and professional discussions with Indian literary scholars and publishers, confirmed the strong interest of Indian audiences in Ukrainian literature – both contemporary and classical.
Partners:
- Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of India
- Austrian Cultural Forum