Sahitya Akademi Launches Hindi Edition of Lithuanian Novel “The Last Day” as “Antim Din”

In October 2025, the Sahitya Akademi, under the Ministry of Culture, released the Hindi translation of the acclaimed Lithuanian novel “The Last Day”, titled “Antim Din”. The book launch took place at Rabindra Bhawan, New Delhi, in collaboration with the Embassy of Lithuania. This 250-page novel, originally written by Lithuanian-Ukrainian author Jaroslavas Melnikas, has been translated into Hindi by Dr. Poonam Tiwari to reach a wider Indian audience.

A Landmark in Literary Exchange

The Sahitya Akademi has released the Hindi translation of the internationally acclaimed Lithuanian novel The Last Day, written by Jaroslavas Melnikas. The translated version, titled “Antim Din,” was launched at a special event held at Rabindra Bhawan in New Delhi, in collaboration with the Embassy of Lithuania.

This release marks a major milestone in strengthening literary and cultural ties between India and Lithuania, promoting mutual understanding through world literature.

About the Author and the Novel

The Last Day is written by Jaroslavas Melnikas, a well-known Lithuanian-Ukrainian author celebrated for his thought-provoking works that explore existential and philosophical themes. The novel examines human identity, change, and cultural transformation, encouraging readers to reflect deeply on life and society.

With the Hindi translation now available, Indian readers can experience this powerful literary work in their own language, making it more accessible and relatable.

Event and Key Highlights

The launch event, held at Rabindra Bhawan, was attended by literary figures, diplomats, and scholars. Sahitya Akademi President Madhav Kaushik described the occasion as a historic moment for the organization and for Hindi literature.

He emphasized that this is the first-ever translation of a Lithuanian fiction book into Hindi, symbolizing a new chapter in cross-cultural literary exchange. Kaushik also noted that the Akademi’s mission is to bring global literature closer to Indian readers, bridging linguistic and cultural boundaries.

Cultural Collaboration Between India and Lituania

The event highlighted the growing cultural partnership between India and Lithuania, showing how literature can serve as a bridge between nations. Through such initiatives, the Sahitya Akademi continues to promote the idea that language should never be a barrier to appreciating great art and storytelling.

Both countries share a deep respect for literature, and this translation project demonstrates how collaboration can enrich readers’ experiences across borders.

A Step Toward Global Literary Harmony

The release of Antim Din marks not just a translation, but a celebration of creative exchange. It opens a path for more international works to reach Indian audiences in regional languages, encouraging readers to explore diverse cultures and perspectives.

As Sahitya Akademi continues to promote world literature in Indian languages, initiatives like these reinforce the power of books to unite people through shared human experiences.