Diffusion of intellectual fields

STUDENTS AND LARYSA IVSHYNA ARE LIVELY DISCUSSING BOOKS OF THE UKRAINE INCOGNITA SERIES

If you picture a country as the human organism, the students are its blood, young blood capable of setting the whole society in motion. It feeds the pragmatic brain, the sentimental heart, and all the other vital organs. The condition of the entire organism, its ability to recover after traumas, and its capacity for returning to the normal condition all depend on the amount of nutrients carried by the blood.

This comparison with anatomy is perhaps an exaggeration, yet it appears quite relevant and perfectly justifiable when you find yourself in a college student audience as a guest. Students are the most complicated and at the same time the most gratifying audience. Sometimes it is hard to get across to them, but when you do, this audience responds with interest and its invigorating energy and fresh, progressive, bold ideas that are so characteristic of thinking young people.

Last week The Day for the first time displayed the best works of its 10th photo exhibit at the National University “Kyiv Polytechnic Institute” (popularly known as the KPI). It was also Larysa Ivshyna’s first meeting there with a large student audience arranged to discuss the The Day’s Library Series and answer questions. The meeting lasted for three hours instead of an hour and a half, as scheduled, and turned out very dynamic. The students who were gathered in the conference hall came up with original ideas and entered heated debates. In a word, the lively student audience, in collaboration with Larysa Ivshyna and living history on the pages of the books of the Ukraine Incognita series, created a true discussion, something our stiff sociopolitical TV shows lack so badly, and which is so badly needed by every Ukrainian educational establishment and all of Ukraine. If only politicians could be immersed in that atmosphere! They would be faced with no fewer questions. Would they find adequate answers?

SNAPSHOT OF EMOTIONS

Whereas issues such as the returning of historical memory and identity are not easily put across to a student audience, The Day’s photo exhibit remains the simplest, most expressive way to learn about Ukraine and its people.

“The merging of intellectual fields in the humanities and science is producing an extraordinary effect in this country. Exploring such an exhibit at least once a year means partaking of an extract from human emotions and talents,” Ivshyna noted, opening the photo exhibit at the KPI’s art gallery.

Indeed, there was an ample supply of the human emotion extract, ranging from genuine admiration to weird debates on the authenticity of the Ukrainian national costume word by a woman in a particular photo. Photos with politicians proved the strongest attraction and produced the largest number of grins, as confirmed by the majority of our interviewees.

“I think this kind of interest in the photos of Ukrainian politicians is linked to the nature of our politics. One could say we laugh at them so as not to cry,” says Natalia Doroshenko, a first-year student.

Another freshman, Daria Shendorova, who has long been into photography herself, also shows interest in the photos featuring politicians, although from a somewhat different angle:

“I find the photos showing politicians’ emotions most interesting. I don’t think I’d ever be able to take such pictures, so it is interesting to see the ones on display, particularly because I often photograph people myself. What makes this exhibit interesting is that it reflects the photographer’s individual vision. Looking at the photos made by children and adults, they are totally different, but on the other hand, it is difficult to tell which pictures were taken by children and which by grownups.”

The topic of the Ukrainian character was another leader in the viewers’ ratings. This is how Antonina Tsybulia, another first-year student, described The Day’s 10th photo exhibit: “I was especially impressed by photos displaying the Ukrainian character, photos with elderly people. Even though I am primarily interested in information in the printed media, I immediately want to buy a copy of a periodical with good photos.”

Her fellow student Tetiana Krotevych adds: “I like the photos with children best. Looking at them, I have a feeling that they are real Ukrainians. These photos should make a collection entitled ‘The Future of Ukraine’.”

The Ukrainian character of The Day‘s photo exhibit was a discovery for the KPI students, lecturers, and administration. Their comments sounded rather poetic.

“We can see secret things in these photos, things you don’t see every day. These are the photographer’s views, his/her vision of what is sacred or human and what our future is,” noted Hennadii Varlamov, Vice Rector for Research and Instruction.

Rostyslav Pashov, head of the Section for Working with Students: “I saw many interesting moments of real life that are captured so accurately. These photos have to do with the whole life of our country, our society, ranging from sad to humorous pictures. I think that capturing the right moment with your camera makes you really happy. Then you and the viewers can enjoy this it.”

Among those who explored the best photos on display (including many pictures taken by children) were the winners of the quiz “Winter Exams by Correspondence” organized by The Day and Radio Kyiv 98 FM. One of them, Petro Hodovaniuk, believes that every photo on display offers a glimpse of history: “I would like to thank The Day for the pleasant emotions, excellent arrangements, and warm words. These kinds of competitions bring people closer together. As a winner, I have also contributed to the process of unity among Ukrainian citizens, something our society needs so badly. And the photo exhibit has lifted my mood. Every photo on display is part of history.”

It is a pleasure to leaf through the visitors’ book after each such exhibit. The one at the KPI added several pages of positive emotions, but the one written by the student Yulia Kolbasko seems to come straight from her heart: “Thank you for the original, creative, and sincere approach. Every photo reflects our life the way we live it every day, never noticing it. You have helped me see in a different light the things that are hardly noticeable and yet so very important.”

Strolling down the art gallery, we met and spoke with its curator Viktoria Tiotkina. She said that the gallery holds exhibits almost every month and that the main one has been on display for 11 years—the collection of works submitted to the competition “KPI Talents” (about 800 are submitted every year). “I have long been familiar with The Day’s photo exhibit and I have visited the Ukrainian Home on more than one occasion. I enjoy studying your photos; they are inspiring and make me realize that life goes on,” said Tiotkina.

HISTORICAL MEMORY REQUIRES INDIVIDUAL EFFORTS

We have drawn the reader’s attention to the poetic comments of the KPI administration for a reason. The thing is that people in the technological field often prove to unexpectedly open-hearted, expressive, and more emotional than those who in the humanities and are skilled verbal jugglers. During the first meeting with KPI students The Day was impressed by their openness, unexpected manifestations of sentimentality, and, on the other hand, pragmatic, serious ideas. They expressed their appreciation to the editor in chief by asking clever questions, voicing interesting ideas, and presenting her with a cute black-and-white beaded butterfly and an origami paper crane.

“Each of us majors in a narrow field, yet we are united in a single world. At critical periods in the development of society celebrated physicians, mathematicians, and design engineers have become generators of humanitarian ideas, pushing forward the humanitarian intelligentsia. Suffice it to remember Andrei Sakharov. Talking of the Polytechnic University’s traditions, I recall the early congresses of the Rukh that took place here,” said Ivshyna.

When asked by The Day about the importance of historical knowledge for natural science students, Varlamov said: “I think that no trend in the evolution of man should be overlooked. The so-called techie is formed by accumulating everything in himself. He creates things not only in his mind but also in steel, design, and software. A creative individual cannot reach a high professional level without knowledge of mathematics, fine arts, and music. Otherwise there is no harmonious development, i.e., no creator.”

Without knowledge of national history or desire to learn from its experience a nation cannot develop in a harmonious way. However, when we raise the subject of forming historical memory in the younger generation (such was the topic of the readers’ conference), we must realize that history has to be actualized and made “alive” so it can be learned in the best possible way. Ivshyna has traditionally stressed this aspect and The Day and its Ukraine Incognita library are an embodiment of actualized history.

“I do not mean to offer you universal answers to all your questions. I only want all of us to reflect on problems that are important for Ukrainians and to understand them. During a recent discussion at a radio station someone told me that historical projects must serve as weapons. I think that it is important to prevent them from becoming armories. Any book must live a life of its own, influencing the readers’ worldview and evoking their reaction,” said Ivshyna in her opening address.

The tone of the readers’ conference dedicated to such a complex subject was set by the above quote, as well as by the photo exhibit, which opened prior to the discussion, and the books from The Day’s library. Zhanna Kovba, head of the Polytechnic University’s Department for Publishing Business, a regular reader of this newspaper, and a visitor of our photo exhibits, added a positive note to the discussion that followed: “Let me tell you frankly that, against the backdrop of bad weather, economic crisis, and problems with Nadra Bank, I was especially happy to explore The Day’s photo exhibit. I am a historian by training and I would like to point out that without historical knowledge it is impossible to comprehend many processes that are taking place in Ukraine. The Day became part of my life precisely because its historical publications. The articles on its pages enrich me with spirituality and knowledge.”

Kovba, it should be added, was among those who began compiling clippings to make the first book of the Library Series even before it was actually prepared for publication and appeared in print. Today students are discussing real books — Dvi Rusi, Ukraina Incognita, and others that are being sold on a large scale.

At times the discussion at the KPI turned into a debate on Ukraine’s history and current realities, who should be remembered, and whose intellectual heritage should be upheld. There was an important aspect to it. Outwardly polarized opinions that were voiced by students boiled down to one thing. Whoever took the floor agreed that shaping our future is possible only after we succeed in comprehending our past.

In response to a question, Ivshyna said addressing the audience: “There should be 20 names familiar and having the same import for all Ukrainians, all over this country. This would mean unity between Eastern and Western Ukraine. Sometimes people who think primitively and who are aggressive can pick a heavy bludgeon from the best of histories and turn historical experience into a weapon of mass destruction. The point in question is the formation of an individual character. We will never get to the truth by acting collectively because it takes individual efforts.”

Answering questions from students of the KPI’s Institute for Publishing and Printing, Ivshyna raised the subject of the media: “An ailing national organism can be cured not only by history. We must finally have positive television programs. The information space in which we live does not have integrity; it is in tatters. There are things that must not be mentioned during talk shows because they require careful, in-depth discussions. The style of nonstop chatter spoils our taste in the first place. Society has the impression that the kind of behavior people watch on television every Friday is normal. Where will they find examples of Ukrainian aristocratic culture? Ukraine is made up not only of parliamentarians.”

All things considered, the books of The Day’s Library Series with which some of the students had familiarized themselves seemed to them open to criticism, if not provocative. Here is one of the questions Ivshyna received in writing: “Was there any criticism of the books on display? If so, what was it about and who voiced it?”

Ivshyna: “When stereotypes are challenged, people, depending on their temperament, either familiarize themselves with the challenger, so as to figure it out and voice their own opinion, or simply attack. I happened to hear an emotional comment on the book Dvi Rusi on the part of a vice rector of a Ukrainian university. The lady was offended by the phrase in the book that reads, ‘As a country, Russia is big but not great.’ This phrase should be interpreted in context, and I still don’t understand why a Ukrainian scholar should react with such passion to a qualifying statement on another country. After all, the grandeur of a country is demonstrated by the level of development reached by its citizens. Energy resources, a large territory, and a big army are not enough for praise.”

Ivshyna was asked a lot of questions. Here are some of the most interesting ones that are worthy of reflection.

“East and West Together!” What does this motto mean? Of course, the economic situation and security, but what about our culture? We are urged to revive our culture at a time when the process of cultural integration in Ukraine has turned into blind copying.”

“Which programs and who in this state are seriously considering the possibility of reviving Ukrainian culture? Maybe some are already working along these lines?”

“It is common knowledge that there is Moscow and there is Russia, as two separate entities. Are we heading toward a similar situation in Ukraine: Kyiv vs. Ukraine?”

“The media as a way to revival does not seem too effective.”

“What about the leader? A spiritual leader like Gandhi? You will say that it all depends on the personality. Isn’t the Protestant movement in the US rooted in leadership, with leaders being prepared and trained?”

“What event in Ukrainian history would you single out as a national symbol?”

“What do you think Ukrainian society will look like if it completely immerses itself in the ideas laid down in books such as Ukraine Incognita and Dvi Rusi?”

“There is no future without the past. Then what is our present day?”

“How did they respond to the book Dvi Rusi in Russia?”

“I believe that at this stage the phenomenon of democracy is having a negative effect on the development of our independent state and the establishment of “positive” governance in this country.”

The Day has recently raised the subject of democracy and its quality in Ukraine on many occasions. All the sociopolitical talk shows are the most vivid proof that the national model of democracy is deformed. “Each country and its democracy are the result of the effect of many factors. We have had an opportunity to act differently in various phases of contemporary Ukrainian history, but we have passed it up, and not only because of the administrative pressure and coercion. Ukrainians have been sentimental and always made their choice with their heart. When it comes to democracy, the choice is made by the citizenry. Here lies our main condition. Citizens must think and make their choices consciously. Ukrainians wants a democratic atmosphere in this country while shifting the responsibility to a handful of politicians,” Ivshyna stated in response to a student question.

The most touching and immediate response from the KPI students was a poem to the newspaper Den’, the best proof of their poeticism.

COMMTNTSRIES

Yulia KOLESNYK, student, KPI’s Institute for Publishing and Printing:

“Ukraine is everywhere, in the metro, schools, stores, our hearts, and on newspaper pages. At least, it is there on the pages of The Day. Ukraine exists not only via The Day’s print, but also in the photographs at the KPI’s House of Culture that are dedicated to Ukraine.

“Students were the first visitors of the photo exhibit. The most topical photos portray people and events, ranging from modern political visage viewed from a different angle to an ordinary Ukrainian mother who has lost her children during a flood. The photo exhibit and the album dedicated to it are not just collections of photographs, even if brilliantly made, but a beam of light shed on the life of Ukrainians in modern compelling conditions.”

“At the press conference, which was a true feast for intellectually oriented Ukrainian students, many intriguing questions were asked, including the following ones: Who decides on The Day’s subject matter? Who is James Mace to Ukrainians? Why has Klara Gudzyk disappeared from the newspaper’s pages?

“Hats off to The Day’s team for allowing others to voice views that are entirely opposite to their own. In fact, the lively discussion followed precisely these rules. Someone asked about the purpose of publishing articles by foreign journalists if we have enough of our own, hinting at James Mace’s book Your Dead Chose Me. The answer was, ‘We give the green light to texts by talented authors. If you can write well, you are welcome to send your works.’

“Periodicals like The Day and projects like the meeting at the KPI help young people develop intellectually. There is no doubt that Ukrainian students are a powerful intellectual stratum of the nation. These young people are channeling their energy into individual self-development rather than the banal task of receiving a degree. A well-developed individual is a mirror reflecting today’s Ukraine. This reflection is found in the metro, out in the streets, and on newspaper pages.”

Kateryna BIELOVA, student, KPI’s Institute for Publishing and Printing:

“I am glad that The Day’s photo exhibit has come to our university after touring many Ukrainian cities. It is an important opportunity for our students to embark on the path of cultural self-awareness by way of familiarizing themselves with the masterpieces of photography. Photography can stop the passage of time, something no one can do. A photograph is a silent story. The Day’s photo exhibit, consisting of the best works submitted to the photo competition, is a story about the nation’s biggest secret: the nation itself.

“The photos on display portray various aspects of life in Ukraine. There is the touching nomination ‘World through Children’s Eyes’ that brings every viewer back to his/her forgotten world of childhood years.

“Regrettably, due to inadequate information about the event, most of those who were present at the press conference following the ceremony of opening the photo exhibit were not familiar with this newspaper, let alone The Day’s Library Series. Nevertheless, Larysa Ivshyna’s story roused the audience’s interest. There were students’ positive and negative comments.

“For me personally, a painful problem emerged after discussing the book Klara Gudzyk’s Apocrypha. I mean the Polytechnic University’s abandoned tradition of disseminating humanitarian knowledge. Proof of this was the impassioned speech of a student from the faculty of physics and mathematics. He made it clear that he was concerned about this country, but that his was confused by the manner in which it is governed. Ivshyna presented the impassioned speaker with a copy of the book, thus giving him a chance to figure out our historical past and future direction.

“I would like to thank the editor in chief and the staff of The Day for forming a new vision of history and self-knowledge of our nation. I hope we will meet again at the university and discuss at greater length what has been accomplished and what can be done. I will move forward in life not as yet another onlooker but as the creator of my own future and that of my native land.”

Yevhen ZBOROVSKY, student, Management and Marketing Faculty:

“I wish to express my gratitude to The Day for organizing this exhibit; I saw a lot of truly brilliant photos. I was especially impressed by genuinely patriotic ones with their special context and powerful message. Looking at a photo, you feel almost an addiction, wanting to see more and more photos and find out what the photographer wanted to say. I wish The Day to keep up this good undertaking.”

Zhanna KOVBA, head of the Polytechnic University’s Department for Publishing Business:

“At present, The Day is the only intellectual daily, for there are practically no others, weeklies included. I think this newspaper has three barriers: (1) readers being unprepared to accept intellectual periodicals; (2) inadequate distribution (copies are hard to buy); (3) unwillingness of the high and mighties to give this newspaper access to readers or libraries. The result of all this is today’s student audience. Therefore, it is important to hold meetings such as this one because they play an important informational, promotional, and educational role.

“Unlike television and other periodicals, The Day is a cultured newspaper. It does not push the younger generation down the path of degradation. On the contrary, it encourages our young people to raise their cultural standard. The state, namely the State Television and Radio Committee and the National Council of Ukraine on Television and Radio, must make every effort to stop turning our readers into morons.

“The Day’s photo exhibit is also a special phenomenon. In the first place, you can see our life from a certain intellectual angle. Second, you forget that you are looking at a photo and find yourself immersed in an interesting world. Third, this brings you aesthetic delight.”

At the readers’ conference certain overemotional students voiced their doubts that a man who came from across the ocean could have perceived the Ukrainian character to such an extent and brought Ukrainians so close to their own history that he could personify this nation’s reconstruction of its own identity. Of course, it would be better if Ukrainians were able to do so, but you will agree that not everything is as easy as it might seem. Be that as it may, this complication must not get the better of our feelings of gratitude. We cannot refuse to remember. The name of James Mace should be known to all students. To quote Ivshyna, The Day traveled from home to home, from university to university, trying to visit the remotest parts of Ukraine. Paradoxically, it finally came to the KPI, in particular because of its relative proximity to downtown Kyiv.

“The darkest place is under the candle,” says The Day’s editor in chief.

Indeed, due to some reasons or others, Kyiv students often prove beyond reach for the most important initiatives and projects, although it would seem that they should be the first to catch such positive signals, which are the “nutrients” carried by the young blood and used to help cure the entire organism before too long. However, this takes time and effort.