Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational Society organized a gathering under the “Tea, Coffee and thoughts” heading depicting Armenian forestry. The event took place at the Bois de Liesse Park’s “Maison Pitfield” gathering hall, located at the heart of Montreal’s nature scene.
Seventy-five people attended the presentation to hear Krikor Tersakian’s “Armenian Forests and the Armenian Youth” topic. Attendees had already gotten a feel for the topic- they were surrounded by splendid trees and ponds covered in water lilies. They were also served with the tradition coffee and tea, impatiently waiting for the beginning of the presentation.
Mrs. Diroug Manjikian gave the opening remarks and mentioned the concept behind the event, as well as the program. The main topic of the event was trees, which led the gathering to take place in the park. In her speech, Mrs. Manjikian stated that this gathering was driven by the serious and imminent deforestation issue occurring in present day Armenia by money-driven companies and individuals and Armenia’s Youth’s vigor, dedication and drive to bring attention to this issue and put an end to it. She continued by stated that Armenians have always had a special connection and love towards trees.
As customary, the gathering had a cultural portion. Attendees first got to enjoy Roupen Hakhverdian’s “Pats Ko Gegheve, Dzar”. Melissa Haroutiounian, from the Sourp Hagop church youth choir “Nor Dzaghig” performed the song “ Groung, Kna mer Ashkharhits”. In between the songs, Mrs. Diroug Manjikian was quoting proverbs, myths and fables about trees and nature. Mrs. Anahid Balian provided further information regarding Armenia’s ancient High Spirited trees (Sosiants Andar). Attendees were also introduced to different types of trees from Armenia’s forests, with both their English and Armenian names. This research was done by Mr. Hagop Manjikian. The cultural program continued by a poem recited by Arpi Soghomonian who performed Missak Medzarents’ “Akassianeroun Shoukin Dag”, followed by Sona Titizian, who ended the programing by reading Moushegh Ishkhan’s “Bardizbane”.
Mrs. Manjikian gave a short biography of the lecturer. Unger Krikor Tersakian was born in Beirut, Lebanon and has attended the Hamazkayin Nshan Palamdjian Djermaran and graduated in 1977. He has two degrees from the American University of Beirut- Bachelor of science in Agriculture and Agricultural Engineer diploma. He later moved to Montreal, Canada in 1991, where he attended and graduated Concordia University in History. He is a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society. Ung. Terzakian gave a thorough and meticulous presentation, using PowerPoint slides to depict his research about Armenia’s forestry and environment, and share his concerns about the current state of Armenia’s biosphere. He realistically presented the sad reality of the modern state of the forests, and gave the explanation behind the causes. He emphasized that the reasoning lie in the population that is unaware and ill-informed when it comes to the land’s fauna and flora. Part of the responsibility also lies in the current government’s stance and policy regarding Armenia’s forests and ecology. He mentioned the great work done by diasporan organizations and individuals who have put in the effort to plant trees, calling this an important and fundamental work that needs to continue.
Attendees were very pleased with the lecture and presentation. The topic was novice for most, and highly educational. The lecture was followed by a Q & A period, which led the discussion of the topic to continue.
Before the conclusion of the event, Melissa once again performed Inga and Anush’s “Menk Enk Mer Sarere” song, much to everyone’s pleasure.
As customary for these events, there was a lottery at the end, and four lucky participants each won a plant emblemizing the day’s topic.
Guests returned home with hope of a better future to come for Armenia’s ecology and reforestation program.
Hamazkayin “Sanahin” chapter’s executive committee