Born 211 years ago, Taras Shevchenko (March 9, 1814 – March 10, 1861) remains an iconic figure of Ukraine and a symbol of resistance against Russian oppression.
A poet, painter, and humanist, he gave the Ukrainian language its first literary masterpiece: Kobzar, a collection of poems that became a cornerstone of national identity.
Born into a family of serf peasants, Shevchenko dedicated his life to fighting injustice and serfdom. His commitment to social equality led to his arrest and exile in the Russian military, with Tsar Nicholas I forbidding him from writing and painting. Yet, he never stopped creating—writing stories and painting relentlessly. Freed in 1857, he remained under police surveillance until his death.
His legacy has transcended time, carried forward by a nation that continues to fight for its freedom. His verses still echo today, chanted during protests against Russian aggression.
The very first written mention of “Slava Ukraïni” appeared in 1840 in one of his poems:
“Our thought, our song
Will live on forever,
And there lies our glory,
The glory of Ukraine!”
As the Kremlin denies Ukraine’s very existence and culture, it is more important than ever to honor those who shaped its identity and to preserve their memory.
