Day of Dignity and Freedom: Patriotic Events at USUST

The Day of Dignity and Freedom, celebrated in Ukraine on November 21, was honored at the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technology (USUST) through a series of events aimed at instilling the concepts of national dignity and freedom in the younger generation.

On November 20, 2024, the eve of this significant state holiday, the Department of Ukrainian Studies, Documentation, and Information Activities of the SEI PSACEA organized a screening and discussion of the documentary “The Nightingale Sings Until It Has a Voice.” The film debunks common myths about the Ukrainian language, history, and culture, while fostering resilience against adversaries threatening not only the sovereignty of Ukraine but also the ideological foundations of Ukrainian identity. Students from the Prydniprovska State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture and 8th–10th grade pupils of the Scientific and Technical Lyceum of Digital Technologies and Design of the SEI PSACEA participated in the event.

In 2019, shortly after the film’s release, the creator, screenwriter, and producer Lesya Voroniuk commented on its purpose: “Our task was to shift the language issue from the political to the educational sphere. We aimed to clarify the situation once and for all, dismantling false information and uncovering facts that are well-known to Ukrainian linguists and researchers but remain confined to narrow academic circles.”

The seven key myths about the Ukrainian language still require dispelling, and the nation’s history and culture need broader awareness. Students and pupils engaged deeply with the personal stories in the documentary, reflecting on the importance of resisting those who endanger not just Ukraine’s sovereignty but its cultural identity.

On November 21, 2024, another session of the SEI PSACEA Leadership School at USUST took place. The Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Humanitarian Policy at USUST, Doctor of Public Administration, Prof. Halyna Yevseieva, emphasized the importance of cultivating a sense of dignity among future leaders of a democratic, independent state and highlighted their right to the freedom Ukraine has fought for over centuries. She also shared valuable insights and personal experience on building effective team communication.

Participants included students from SEI PSACEA and SEI DIIT of USUST, as well as pupils of the Scientific and Technical Lyceum of Digital Technologies and Design.

On the same day, a university-wide Student Scientific and Practical Conference on the Ukrainian Language was held. It was organized by the USUST Department of Student Educational Work, the Department of Ukrainian Studies, Documentation, and Information Activities (UDIA), and the “Prosvita” Society of the SEI PSACEA, with participation from the Department of Philosophy and Ukrainian Studies at the SEI DIIT. The reports presented at the conference demonstrated how concepts of national dignity, freedom, and linguistic excellence are inherently interconnected.

The realities of war were especially palpable on this day, as a massive attack on Dnipro, starting overnight, prevented many participants and guests from attending in person. The meeting was relocated to the SEI PSACEA’s Shelter No. 1. Nevertheless, the moderators—head of the UDIA Department, Assoc. Prof. Olena Barannyk, Assoc. Prof. Larysa Bohuslavska, and Senior Lecturer Svitlana Lahdan—created a sincere and professional atmosphere for discussing the essential ties between national dignity, freedom, and language.

Conference participants and their presentations included:

  • Svitlana Sembrat (DIIT, Group UV2411): “The History of the Slogan ‘Glory to Ukraine! – Glory to Heroes!’” (Supervisor: Senior Lecturer Svitlana Lahdan)
  • Mykhailo Hrabarchuk (DIIT, Group KG2112): “Ukrainian Traditions on Pokrova Day” (Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Iryna Liashenko)
  • Yelyzaveta Afonina (PSACEA, Group DS-23): “Feminine Forms in Contemporary Ukrainian Language” (Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Larysa Bohuslavska)
  • Artem Ryzol (DIIT, Group UA2211): “Russification of Surnames as a Method of Denationalization” (Supervisor: Senior Lecturer Svitlana Lahdan)
  • Yelyzaveta Nishchenko (PSACEA, Group DS-23): “The Role of Translation in Professional Activity” (Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Olena Barannyk)
  • Hanna Klochenko (DIIT, Group DA2211): “Slang as a Tool of Informal Communication in Educational Environments” (Supervisor: Senior Lecturer Svitlana Lahdan)
  • Vladyslava Stukalova (PSACEA, Group UML-24): “Linguists’ Perspectives on ‘Surzhyk’ as a Linguistic Issue” (Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Inna Mamchych)
  • Valeriia Samoilova (PSACEA, Group UML-24): “Language Etiquette Among Ukrainians” (Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Inna Mamchych)

The events dedicated to the Day of Dignity and Freedom at USUST were not just a celebration of a national holiday but also a platform for active dialogue between students, pupils, and faculty on the core values of freedom, dignity, language, and culture. Despite the challenges posed by wartime conditions, every participant had the opportunity to reflect on the importance of national identity and their contribution to strengthening Ukraine’s independence.