Independence only guarantee of Armenia’s progress – opinions
A referendum on independence took place in Armenia on September 21, 1991, with 94.39% of voters supporting Armenia’s independence.
On September 23, Armenia’s Supreme Council declared the country’s independence.
Tert.am interviewed musician Vahan Artsruni, Art Director of the Puppet Theater Ruben Babayan and Art Director of the Karin folk dance and group Gagik Ginosyan about independent Armenia’s failures and achievements.
“Each reasonable person must realize that independence is the basis for our existence and the only guarantee of our progress,” Mr Artsruni told Tert.am.
“Ideals remain, but the reality seems to reject the ideals because life is getting more and more difficult,” he said. This ideal has to do with Armenia’s incumbent authorities and political situation.
Different people show different attitudes to independence. Without ignoring existing problems, Mr Artsruni considers independence the highest value for himself.
“I am surrounded by people who are bearers of independence values, they shed their blood for this value and even in the Soviet era they suffered for this value. But if you turn your eyes toward the trader, newly rich, you can see an entirely different picture.
They have no idea of the significance of independence nor do they realize the cost of independence because their only priority is money,” he said.
Artistic Director of the Puppet Theater Ruben Babayan believes that independence would be much more valuable now if it had been a centuries-old dream.
“They are just beautiful words. Regrettably, it had not been a centuries-old dream. Very few people dreamt of independence and were ready to sacrifice their life for it. I think the reason is that we have not for the past years come to realize the essence of independence – what it brings and what responsibility it imposes on you. Independence has remained a mere declarative thing.
But life is impossible to stop, and a new generation has been born in this independent country. This generation may have a better subconscious perception than our generation. So I place my hopes on the young generation,” Mr Babayan said.
“After all, independence and freedom should be granted to a person that would be able to be master of it. I think the concept of independence is something that can never be seized from you. I think this is an important part of each person’s approach, and each person has his or her share of responsibility.”
Art Director of the Karin dance group, Gagik Ginosyan said that the major failure is a national ideology.
“We need a national basis for any process. Economic progress must be based on national thinking. Even technical and scientific development must facilitate national development,” he said.
According to Mr Ginosyan, civil education is a serious failure in Armenia.
“Everything must serve one aim, namely, educating an Armenian citizen rather than a citizen of Armenia.”
The economic situation is one more reason for the lack of proper assessments of independence and for emigration.
Among the achievements is the Armenian army. On the other hand, he sees failures in terms of national ideology.
“If our national ideology proves fully-fledged, we will be more efficient and reliable,” Mr Ginosyan said.
His wish is that no Armenian should think that the Republic of Armenia is already Armenia.
“Armenia is much larger than that with its present-day boundaries. Armenia is what is inside our hearts, and I am sure that one day we will have independence, free and unified Armenia. And Western Armenian will belong to us, and we will celebrate Day of Unified Armenia.”
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