95 Years Since the Birth of Ivan Svitlychny: University Honors His Memory

Ivan Svitlychny — one of the most prominent intellectuals and cultural figures of the 20th century, whose life and work left a lasting mark on the development of Ukrainian literature and the human rights movement. Born on September 20, 1929, in the Luhansk region, Svitlychny became a symbol of defiance against the Soviet system, dedication to the ideals of freedom, and the preservation of national identity.

Ivan Svitlychny received his education at Karazin University, which became the starting point of his intellectual and creative path. It was here that his worldview was shaped, filled with love for his native language and culture. At the university, he received a philological education, which later helped him become one of the most influential literary critics of his time.

Ivan’s younger sister, Nadia, also received her education at Karazin University. The portraits of the brother and sister, along with other Karazin alumni who were laureates of the Shevchenko National Prize, are displayed in the gallery of the School of Philology at the university.

Svitlychny's active participation in the Sixtiers movement and his human rights work placed him at the forefront of the intellectual resistance to the Soviet repressive system. Despite persecution and years of exile, Svitlychny remained true to his convictions, defending the right to freedom of speech, human dignity, and national identity. He was not only a talented poet and literary critic but also an organizer of underground literary evenings, where the works of banned Ukrainian writers were read.

The Svitlychny family donated Ivan Oleksiyovych's valuable library to our university. It is still preserved in the central scientific library as a separate collection.

For Karazin University, the figure of Ivan Svitlychny is an example of unbreakable spirit, intellectual courage, and dedication to the Ukrainian people. He will forever remain a symbol of how education, culture, and personal integrity can change the course of history and the fate of an entire nation.