The Regional Centre for the Development of Public Diplomacy and International Relations named after Yevgeniy M. Primakov, with support from the University’s Coordination Center, invited students and schoolchildren to mark Mother Language Day in a warm, inspiring atmosphere filled with poetry and the musicality of words.
Initiated by international students of the ISClub, the event quickly evolved into a vibrant gathering that brought together not only students, but also faculty, school pupils, scholars, and diplomats—all united by their love for their native languages and a shared appreciation for poetic expression. Participants presented their interpretations of beauty through verses by both classical and contemporary poets from around the world.
The event was opened by Mikhail Leonov, Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Youth Policy, who warmly welcomed guests and participants.
A special guest of honor was H.E. Alba Azucena Torres Mejía, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Nicaragua, who recited works by her favorite poet, Rubén Darío—including “Song of the Wanderers” and “Ode to Roosevelt.”
Further enriching the program were researchers from the Institute of Latin America, Russian Academy of Sciences:
Olga Averina, who read “The Art of Drawing You” by Eduardo Galeano;
Yegor Simanov, who presented Pablo Neruda’s “Ode to the Potato.”
The evening featured poetic performances in Spanish, Chinese, French, Pashto, Armenian, and Russian. Students from Samara University showcased global literary heritage:
Jorge Nicolás Rojas Triana and Óscar Julián Castro (Colombia) immersed the audience in the lyrical world of Pablo Neruda;
Jian Yishan (China) delivered a captivating reading of poems by the Song dynasty master Su Shi;
Akif Ashraf Khan (Pakistan) recited a moving tribute to motherhood by Hamayun Khan, embodying the warmth and tenderness of Eastern verse;
Suray Khudainazarova (Turkmenistan) presented a historical poem by Suleiman the Magnificent, celebrating his love for Hürrem Sultan.
Particular attention was drawn to performances by university alumni:
Margareta Zhitnova and Andrey Chistyakov, now students at MGIMO (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and Lomonosov Moscow State University, recited works by Cao Zhi and A. N. Radishchev;
El’nura Garaeva moved the audience with a deeply expressive reading of verses by F. I. Tyutchev.
Students majoring in International Relations—Denis Zhidkov, Sarkis Shahazizyan, Diana Abdrakhmanova, and Yulia Moiseyeva—presented poems in French, Polish, and Armenian, highlighting the linguistic diversity of the university community.
The event also spotlighted original works by young talents from Samara schools, who confidently shared their unique perspectives on the world.
Ekaterina Sarishvili (Grade 7) and Maria Pakhomova (Grade 9) captivated listeners with their heartfelt, self-penned verses;
Polina Malakhova and Irina Sorokina (Grades 9 and 7, respectively) delivered eloquent English-language readings of poems by Rudyard Kipling and William Shakespeare.
They were joined by Vlada Buravkina, a history teacher from School No. 81, who participated alongside her students.
The evening reaffirmed that poetry—across languages, cultures, and generations—remains a powerful force for connection, understanding, and shared humanity.
Text by Guzaliya Shakurova
Photo by Alina Kavtaskina
