On April 26, a third event was held at Vilnius University within the framework of the project “I Love Georgian – My State Language!” (authored by Mariam Manjgaladze).

The masterclass on the art of Georgian calligraphy was attended by about 60 Lithuanian students and professors.

Professor Roma Kriaučiūnienė, Director of the Institute of Foreign Languages at the Faculty of Philology of Vilnius University, introduced the audience to the history of the project and the valuable experience of collaboration with Caucasus University. The Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Philology, Gintarė Judžentytė-Šinkūnienė, spoke about the importance of deeply studying different cultures, highlighting the role of calligraphy for exploring Georgian culture.

Professor Mariam Manjgaladze expressed her sincere gratitude for the keen interest shown in the Georgian language and culture, and invited the audience to assume the role of master calligraphers, contributing to the creation of distinctive and original works.

The masterclass was led by Nestan Bagauri, Director of the Georgian Calligraphers Association—a partner of Caucasus University and a professional with extensive experience who spoke about the history of the Georgian calligraphic school and handwriting traditions.

For the first time, students experienced the world of pen and ink: they fitted traditional pen holders with nibs suited for writing in the Mkhedruli script of The Knight in the Panther’s Skin and drew their first letters on paper with ink. They created a calligraphic work titled “Freedom”—a word of deep significance in Georgian calligraphy, carrying a sixteen-century-long legacy of searching for and discovering free, expressive lines.

Participants of the masterclass received guidance from a young calligrapher distinguished by her elegant handwriting, Ana Gokadze.

Amazing samples created by the masterclass participants will be displayed at the closing event of the Georgian Language Days.

It is symbolic that the masterclass was held in Kristijonas Donelaitis Auditorium, named after the author who created the first work of Lithuanian literature.

The project “I love Georgian – My State Language” was organized by:

• Caucasus University;
• Vilnius University.

and supported by:

• Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in Georgia;
• Lithuanian Writers' Union;
• Georgian Calligraphers' Association;
• Publishing House "Intellect".