Tibor Sekelj

Tibor Sekelj was a Hungarian author and explorer, born in 1912, who led a multifaceted life as a polyglot, writer, and world traveler. His literary output spanned various genres, including novels, travel books, and essays, showcasing his diverse interests and experiences. As a writer, Sekelj was able to transcend linguistic and cultural boundaries, earning him recognition as a "citizen of the world."

Sekelj's literary achievements were marked by notable successes, including the translation of his novella "Kumeŭaŭa, la filo de la ĝangalo" into seventeen languages. This children's book, which explores the life of Brazilian Indians, was particularly well-received in Japan, where it was voted the best children's book in 1987. Sekelj's contributions to literature and the Esperanto community were further acknowledged through his election as a member of the Academy of Esperanto and an honorary member of the World Esperanto Association in 1986. His legacy continued to be celebrated, with the European Esperanto Union declaring 2012 as "The Year of Tibor Sekelj" to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his birth.