The Embassy of Ukraine in New Delhi, in close collaboration with the Ukrainian diaspora community in India, observed the thirty-fifth anniversary of the restoration of Ukraine’s national independence with a solemn and reflective gathering. The commemorative event brought together diplomats, resident nationals, community representatives, and distinguished guests to celebrate Ukraine’s historical statehood, honor fallen heroes and civilians, and reaffirm the unbreakable cultural and emotional bonds connecting overseas citizens to their homeland. The ceremony was led by the Chargé d'Affaires of the Ukrainian Embassy, Artem Nosko, alongside the Head of the Ukrainian Community in India, Maryna Akram, who jointly guided the assembly through an evening centered on collective resilience, cultural heritage, and national sovereignty.
Addressing the gathering at the diplomatic mission, Chargé d'Affaires Artem Nosko reflected deeply on Ukraine's thousand-year history and rich tradition of sovereign statehood, tracing the country's enduring struggle for self-determination through generations of adversity. He emphasized the exceptional courage of a people who have continuously defended their fundamental right to exist, preserve their native language, and independently chart their own democratic future. His address underscored that independence is not merely a political milestone achieved in modern history, but an ongoing duty preserved through the unwavering resolve of citizens at home and across the global diaspora.
A poignant cultural highlight of the evening was a poetry recitation by Maryna Akram, who shared a lyrical work penned specially for the thirty-fifth anniversary. The poem resonated with attendees by exploring the emotional depth of home, personal nostalgia, and the enduring connection that ties Ukrainian citizens to their roots regardless of geographic distance. As part of the commemoration, the diplomatic assembly came together to sing the Ukrainian national anthem, filling the venue with powerful melodies that symbolize collective pride and national unity. The participants reflected on the foundational Ukrainian concept of volia, an intricate term embodying both the concept of freedom and the inner strength of will. Speakers described this enduring spirit as the nation’s core strength that has sustained its identity across centuries of historical trials and continues to fuel its resilience on the international stage.
The gathering also observed a solemn moment of silence to pay tribute to the military defenders and innocent civilians who lost their lives in the ongoing conflict with the Russian Federation. Attendees bowed their heads in collective remembrance, honoring the courage of service members who stood firmly in defense of the motherland until their final breath and mourning the civilian lives cut short by military aggression. The embassy highlighted that the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice remains permanently woven into the national consciousness, serving as an enduring reminder of the heavy cost of defending sovereign territory and personal liberties.
The anniversary event in New Delhi was complemented by high-level diplomatic engagements connecting New Delhi and Kyiv, highlighting continued bilateral communication between India and Ukraine. Indian Ambassador to Ukraine Anjani Kumar participated in celebrations held in Kyiv, where he formally conveyed greetings to Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, on behalf of India's leadership. Concurrently, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar extended warm felicitations to the Ukrainian government and its people on their Independence Day through official diplomatic channels, conveying his best wishes to Foreign Minister Sybiha and expressing optimism about further deepening multifaceted bilateral cooperation and constructive engagement between the two countries.
In Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the nation on the milestone occasion of the thirty-fifth anniversary, congratulating citizens on preserving their freedom and honoring the shared sacrifices that protect national statehood. demonstrate how diplomatic outposts serve as vital focal points for cultural unity, historical remembrance, and international outreach. Through poetry, national anthems, and mutual diplomatic respect, the commemoration in New Delhi highlighted the enduring power of national identity and the spirit of solidarity that continues to unite the Ukrainian global community.