KHACHATUR ABOVYAN ARMENIAN STATE PEDAGOGICAL UNIVERSITY

A two-day international conference dedicated to the 150th anniversary of Hovhannes Hindlian, a great Armenian educator and intellectual, founder of “Nor Dprots” (New School) gymnasium, kicked off at Armenian State Pedagogical University on May 26.

Heads and representatives of educational institutions of the Armenian Diaspora, intellectuals, scientists and people concerned with the preservation of Armenian identity are participating in the conference organized jointly by the “Spyurq” (Diaspora) scientific and educational centre, Chair of New and Modern Armenian Literature and its Teaching Methods and Chair of Professional Education and Applied Pedagogy.

The participants of the conference were first received by ASPU Rector Ruben Mirzakhanyan. The latter discussed with his guests the fate of Armenian schools [in Diaspora] which are on the verge of closure.

The guests asked the ASPU Rector to include the issue of Diaspora schools and their problems in the agenda, expressing their hope that the University will pay great attention to these issues in its daily activities.

Agreeing that the issue is really alarming, Mr Mirzakhanyan said first of all it is necessary to find out the reasons for the current situation and then understand what Armenia, and particularly the ASPU, can do in this situation. He added that the Pedagogical University has always been involved and will continue to participate in the important work of creating textbooks for Armenian schools in Diaspora.

The guests also visited the ASPU Museum, watched the graphic works of painter Levon Lachikyan which were exhibited in the museum hall, and then participated in the conference dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the great educator Hovhannes Hindlian.

Firdusi Zakaryan, Head of Staff of the Ministry of Diaspora, conveyed the welcome address of Minister Hranush Hakobyan, emphasizing that Diaspora has been and remains an independent body which always palpitates like a heart. In her speech the Minister stressed the importance of the move to honour the great educator, revive his deeds and name in the memories of people, exalt his name and activities. “No matter in what corner of the world Armenians live, they continue to create because the fruits of their thought belong to the Armenian nation,” she stressed in her message.

ASPU Vice-Rector Srbuhi Gevorgyan stressed the importance to the conference and praised the fruitful work of Hovhannes Hindlian. “In all his professional and social roles he embodied concepts that present modern European and national identity which today shed new light on the content which he adopted as an educator,” she said.

Professor Suren Danileyan considered the conference an opportunity ‘to render tribute to our ancestors as our biography lies in our past.’ “In Constantinople, Hindlian opened a window to European culture and pedagogy. When walking along the paths of our history, we create the contours of tomorrow. We are all going to open and root the sprouts of education through sacrifice,” he said.

Suren Danielyan stressed that preservation of Armenian identity is again a top concern for us since the pedagogical thought has narrowed in the current conditions when there are numerous alarms for Diaspora Armenians. In the given situation, it is necessary to take practical steps – to bring up and educate true Armenians, have Armenian schools and make our children successors of the language.

“Light, love and life… This slogan was chosen by the teacher, the greatest Armenian educator of the 20th century who lived in Turkey, supported his people and encouraged development of self-consciousness, criticized the country and negative phenomena in society, who was unable to reconcile himself to the situation and always called for sobriety, welfare and progress in life,” said Silva Kuyumjian, Principal of the Istanbul Getronagan High School. She also presented Hindlian’s activity at the school and pupils’ memories about him. She notes with regret that the revolutionary educator was unable to spread his pedagogical principles outside "Nor Dprots" (New School) gymnasium because of the political views in Turkey.

Professor Aida Topuzyan, Head of the Chair of Professional Education and Applied Pedagogy, added, in turn, that the pedagogical principles and convictions of the great teacher and Methodist are relevant even 100 years later and can be useful for parents, teachers and scientists as well as organizers of the educational process. “Hindlian’s pedagogy is fully saturated with warm love for Armenian children and their future. His image, life and activity are the best example showing true love for Armenian children and the fight for their development. Until the last moment his heart beat with ardent love for and faith in Armenian children and their abilities. I wish we could infect our students with similar love for and faith in Armenian children.”

In their reports, the participants presented pedagogical and humanistic views and approaches of the educator, the importance of moral education in his pedagogical activities, problems of children with special needs and emphasized his pedagogical views and educational model in the modern educational paradigm.

The two-day conference will continue on Friday, May 27. The participants will leave for Kayan community in Tavush province.