The Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) initiated a nationwide series of discussions across its national press clubs to commemorate the 160th birth anniversary of poet Pencho Slaveykov and to highlight the theme of Bulgarian modernism. The inaugural event, titled “Pencho Slaveykov Today,” was held at the Slaveykov House Museum in his hometown of Tryavna. The forthcoming December issue of LIK magazine will document the campaign, featuring reports from the discussions and a special section with 160 individual contributions.
During the launch, BTA Director General Kiril Valchev stated that Pencho Slaveykov exemplifies the modern individual—one who embraces new ideas while pursuing spiritual growth and universal values without abandoning national identity or tradition. Valchev noted that Slaveykov’s work was shaped by his father, Petko Slaveykov, and the struggles for Bulgaria’s liberation, recalling the poet’s 1912 Nobel Prize nomination. Literary scholar Yordan Eftimov emphasized that a key objective of the commemoration is to develop a “self-portrait of the nation” through new interpretations of established works.
He highlighted BTA’s role in providing expert views amid misinformation. Tryavna Mayor Dencho Minev praised Slaveykov as a profound observer of the national character and a bold critic advocating for higher artistic standards. The discussions underscore the enduring relevance of the poet’s legacy.
Vijay Joshi, CEO of India’s PTI, noted that international news agencies can draw inspiration from B
Topics: #slaveykov #pencho #bulgarian
