Mykolaiv Honors Taras Shevchenko on 211th Anniversary of His Birth

Mykolaiv celebrated the 211th anniversary of Taras Shevchenko's birth with a solemn event and flower-laying ceremony. The figure of the Kobzar was called a symbol of the struggle for freedom, and his work was called an integral part of Ukrainian identity.

This was reported by the press service of the Mykolaiv Regional State Administration.

On Sunday, March 9, Mykolaiv celebrated the 211th anniversary of the birth of the outstanding Ukrainian poet, artist and thinker Taras Shevchenko.

On this occasion, a solemn event was held in the park named after him and flowers were laid at the monument to Kobzar. Representatives of the authorities, the public, students and everyone who appreciates Shevchenko's work came to honor his memory.

Deputy Head of Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration Yuriy Granaturov emphasized the importance of Taras Shevchenko in the history of Ukraine, stressing that his work is a symbol of the struggle for freedom.

Shevchenko was an outstanding personality. Today, we remember with respect and pride his works that resonate with every Ukrainian. And this is quite natural, because his personality, life and work have become a symbol of Ukrainian identity for us," Granaturov said.

"The laying of flowers at the monument to the Great Kobzar was a tribute not only to him, but also to all those who defended the freedom and independence of Ukraine.

Taras Shevchenko, born into a family of serfs, received a primary education through perseverance and showed a talent for drawing early on. Becoming the property of Mr. Engelhardt, he moved to St. Petersburg, where he studied with the artist Vasyl Shiryaev, and later, thanks to the support of Karl Bryullov and Vasyl Zhukovsky, was redeemed from serfdom.

After gaining his freedom, he entered the Academy of Arts, where he not only developed his artistic talent but also became interested in literature. In 1846, he joined the Cyril and Methodius Brotherhood, for which he was arrested and exiled to serve in the Orenburg Corps with a ban on writing and drawing. After a ten-year exile, he was released, but he was banned from living in Ukraine. If you add up all his stays in Ukraine, it will be only 15 years. Taras Shevchenko died on March 10, 1861, leaving behind an invaluable cultural heritage.

Анна Бальчінос