The event brought together members of the Ukrainian community, diplomats, Chinese citizens, and international friends.

In his remarks, Ambassador of Ukraine to China Olexander Nechytaylo emphasized the special significance of Shevchenko’s legacy for the Ukrainian people. In particular, he noted that during this difficult period for Ukraine, when our nation continues to fight for its independence, the figure of Taras Shevchenko remains a source of inspiration and strength for Ukrainians.

The Ambassador also highlighted that:

“Thanks to the efforts of Mr. Yuan, as well as the Jintai Art Museum, a monument to Taras Shevchenko was erected in Beijing in 2008 — one of the very few monuments to the great Ukrainian poet in Asia.”

Following established tradition, participants recited works of the Great Kobzar.

An important part of the event was the second gathering of the Plast scouting movement in China this year, which brought together children, teenagers, and young people. The young participants joined in honouring the memory of Shevchenko by reciting his poetry with the help of mnemonic cards, performing songs based on the words of the Great Kobzar in theatrical formats, learning about the poet’s life through fairy-tale characters, and discussing the importance of his work for contemporary Ukraine.

It is worth noting that most of the children are growing up in Chinese-Ukrainian families, and for many of them this event became their first introduction to the symbolic images of Ukraine in Shevchenko’s poetry — such as the kalyna, the nightingale, and the white cottage with a thatched roof.

The event became an important occasion for the Ukrainian community and friends of Ukraine, bringing together different generations around the figure of the Great Kobzar and his ideas of freedom, dignity, and love for the homeland.