Organized by the “Pakin” literary Magazine, a reading dedicated to the volume “Identity, quality, culture, and restitution” by Hagop Balian, the editor-in-chief of “Pakin” Literary Magazine, took place Wednesday, June 15, 2011, at 7:00 PM, at the editorial offices of “Pakin.”
The book has been awarded the Kevork Melidinets Literary Award. The book is divided into two parts: the first “The identity of a nation is the summation of fundamental values,” while the second, “The Armenian culture: the keystone of the true restitution.”
Associate editor Seta Krikorian welcomed the audience, after which Dr. Seta Kilejian presented the book.
Acknowledging Balian’s thoughts, Dr. Kilejian mentioned that identity is not built without culture and that the Armenian individual should be introduced to other cultures, yet should deeply perceive it own national identity. Ms. Kilejian said that besides examining concerns, Balian also proposes suggestions and solutions that should be considered by Armenian national authorities.
Dr. Kilejian added that the Armenian language is endangered since we are being proud of it, which is a sad situation.
She added that in his writings Balian has often raised the alarm about the unity of the fatherland, language and culture, and yet his warnings have not been heard. Dr. Kilejian also said that the author keeps touching the same problems over different periods of time with the hope of finding solutions. She also reflected on the content of Balian’s writings, which touch such topics as the danger hanging upon the Armenian language and the retreat of reading, to mention some.
Afterwards Balian once again stated that the Armenian nation is losing its spirit day after day and that we are not seriously enough discussing the situation in national schools. He said that the mission of the Armenian school is not to succeed in official exams, but the education they provide. He also said that a nation cannot be guided without perspective and ideology.
After touching some of the negative aspects of the Armenian national life, Mr. Balian said that our press should be the ground where all these issues are discussed.
Toward the end of the meeting the audience had a friendly conversation with the author and the other speakers on various Armenian national topics.