Oxford Bookstore, in association with EUNIC – EU National Institutes for Culture and Goethe-Institut, hosted a literary forum at the Embassy of the Czech Republic. Titled, ‘Poetry Beyond Borders: A Europe-India Dialogue’ the session brought together poets, writers and editors from Europe and India to explore poetry as a medium of cross-cultural exchange and a bridge between diverse linguistic, cultural and geographical contexts.
The panel for the 2026 edition included Diana V Almeida, writer, researcher and photographer from Portugal; Ana Svetel, writer, poet and cultural anthropologist from Slovenia; Kevin Mclean, poet and creative director from UK; Jonaki Ray, writer, poet and editor from India; Soumya Mukerji, journalist, writer and editor from India. The discussion was moderated by Kena Shree, storyteller, writer and poet from India.
The conversation explored how language, culture, geography and translation shape the creation and interpretation of poetry, while examining how deeply personal and culturally rooted experiences can find resonance across diverse audiences. The intriguing conversation also reflected on poetry’s ability to transcend boundaries, foster empathy and create shared experiences across linguistic and cultural contexts. The session also featured readings by the participating poets, offering audiences an intimate encounter with their work and underscoring the enduring power of poetry to nurture meaningful dialogue in an increasingly fragmented world.
The Long Night of LiteratureS 2026 welcomed authors from 15 European countries, bringing a rich blend of voices and visions. The line-up featured Ana Svetel, writer, poet and cultural anthropologist from Slovenia; Antonio Franchini, writer and editor from Italy; Christopher Kloeble, novelist and scriptwriter from Germany; Diana V Almeida, writer, researcher and photographer from Portugal; Małgorzata Margo Rejmer, author and reporter from Poland; Olesia Mamchych, poet and author from Ukraine; Kevin Mclean, poet and creative director from UK among others.
