August 30, Saturday: Dr. Mridula Ghosh, scholar from Kolkata, was in Sofia Square in Kyiv on August 24, 2025, the Independence Day of Ukraine, and was awarded the Order of Merit, third class, by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The medal was awarded for decades of research, intercultural dialogue, and unwavering commitment to Ukraine.
Who is Mridula Ghosh?
Born and raised in Kolkata, Dr. Ghosh studied at Gokhale Memorial School, Lady Brabourne College, and Presidency University before setting off for Ukraine, where she earned her PhD in international relations at Kyiv Taras Shevchenko University. She made a name for herself as an academic, researcher, columnist, translator, and cultural mediator between India and Ukraine over the years.
She is an active associate professor of the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and chairperson of the East European Development Institute. Her most acclaimed contribution has been the translation of Taras Shevchenko, the Ukrainian national poet, into Bengali, which was published by Jadavpur University Press, a highly rewarding book that blends Indian heritage and Ukrainian origins.
Honored as a "Friend of Ukraine"
The Embassy of Ukraine appreciated her efforts in maintaining interstate cooperation, strengthening Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, making philanthropic contributions, and strengthening Ukraine's global image.
Resilience in the Times of Challenge
During the war, Dr. Ghosh remained in Kyiv, teaching, working on research, and being an activist. Her presence reinforces relations between Ukraine and India during challenging times and is a reflection of steadfastness and devotion.
The Honour of the Order of Merit
Order of Merit is awarded to civilians as well as military men- a silver medal featuring the symbol of Ukraine's trident and a deep red ribbon with blue and yellow stripes. It makes Dr. Ghosh one among the celebrated personalities who have contributed to the building of Ukraine as well as international prominence.
