"THE ARMENIAN PEOPLE HAS GIVEN THE WORLD MORE THAN SMALL PEOPLE COULD": ARAM SIMONYAN

The aim of the conference is to examine the literary and cultural life of the First Republic and its peculiarities, to address the basics of state policy in the field of science and education.

YSU Rector Aram Simonyan, Deputy Director of the Institute for Armenian Studies Mher Hovhannisyan, representatives of the professorial staff, coordinating structures of the University, as well as representatives of the leading scientific and educational institutions were present at the two-day conference organized jointly by Yerevan State University, Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Union and the RA National Academy of Sciences.

Aram Simonyan underscored the importance of holding events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the First Republic of Armenia: "When you look back on the restoration of our statehood, a number of questions arise, which are very topical now, too".

"There are people in the world who have no statehood, and some, even with statehood, have not left a serious historic trace in civilization. Throughout the centuries, the Armenian people have given the world more than the small nation can afford. The people who have constantly fought for freedom, independence and statehood," - said YSU Rector.

YSU Rector also added that one of the most important issues for statehood is not yet solved: the civil society institute has not been formed so far: "I hope our people, due to their wisdom, great aspiration to live and invest in civilization, will be able to fill that gap without which the future of statehood can not be sustainable."

Mkrtich Mkrtchyan, Chairman of the Central Board of Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Union, touched upon the historical processes of the Armenian statehood, the activities of public, political and scientific-cultural figures involved in them.

The first speaker was Gurgen Vardanyan, Associate Professor at the Institute of History of NAS, RA. His report referred to the educational and cultural policy of the First Republic.

"The proclamation of the Republic of Armenia has opened a new era in the history of the Armenian school. In the conditions of independent statehood, education of the younger generation was of primary importance. There were competent and professional specialists involved in the process of building national statehood," - said G. Vardanyan.

G. Vardanyan also touched upon the research carried out in various spheres of cultural life, underlining that the least studied area is the sphere of Armenian documentary cinema.

During the conference, specialists touched upon the emerging general education system, organization of higher education institutions and their educational activities, the development of various branches of science and key scientific achievements, periodicals and publishing.

The speakers appreciated the activities of the spiritual and cultural figures of the First Republic and the impact of their educational and cultural life on the future development of the Diaspora.

Let us add that the conference will continue its work tomorrow. The speakers will present reports on literary and cultural life of the First Republic.