Address by the rector of Shakarim University Duman Orynbekov on the Day of State Symbols of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Dear teachers, staff, students, future applicants of Shakarim University, students of Shakarim College and Shakarim High School, dear parents!
On June 4, our Kazakhstan celebrates the Day of State Symbols.
Every person has words that accompany him throughout his life.
Family...Home...Motherland.
And if you ask where the Motherland begins, everyone will answer in their own way.
For some it will be their native village or city, for others it will be their father and mother, and for others it will be their first teacher. Someone remembers the smell of the steppe after the rain, and someone remembers the first words of their native language, heard in childhood, on the land where he grew up and his ancestors were born.
For us, who live and work on the land of Abai, this question has a special meaning.
It was here that ideas were born that were far ahead of their time. Here Abai spoke about knowledge, work and human responsibility to society. Shakarim reflected on conscience, justice and moral choice. It was from here that the leaders of Alash came out, linking the future of the people with education, statehood and responsibility to their country.
Therefore, for the inhabitants of the land of Abai, the Flag, Coat of Arms and Anthem of the Republic of Kazakhstan are not just official symbols of an independent state. They are symbols of continuity of generations.
Symbols of a country that has preserved its history, language, culture and the right to independently determine its own path.
And it is then that the moment comes when love for one’s land receives a name, image and meaning, and it is then that the State Flag, the State Emblem and the National Anthem appear.
The flag of Kazakhstan flies over schools and universities, scientific laboratories and sports arenas, government institutions and military units.
It reminds us that we are all part of one, united country.
The coat of arms speaks about the history of the state through the language of symbols.
It reflects our ideas about home, continuity of generations, unity and responsibility for a common future.
And the Anthem is the voice of the country.
It sounds in moments of national pride and great achievements, in moments of testing.
It sounds when we simultaneously feel like one people.
And every time it reminds us that behind the word “Kazakhstan” are the fates of millions of people, the work of many generations and responsibility for the future.
Today the world is going through difficult times. Ideas about security are changing, new challenges are emerging, competition for technology, knowledge and human capital is intensifying.
Under these conditions, state symbols acquire an even deeper meaning. They remind us that the state does not exist on its own. It is created by people with their work, knowledge, responsibility, and their choice.
For a teacher, respect for state symbols is manifested in the education of youth. For a scientist - in working for the development of science and the country. For a student - in an effort to become a professional who will be needed by his state. For parents - in conveying to their children love for their land and respect for its history
Today I am primarily addressing young people: those who will become students tomorrow, those who are completing their studies at the university this year, and those who are just starting their journey.
Remember: state symbols have meaning only when our real actions stand behind them.
Love for the Motherland is manifested in daily work: in your attitude towards people, your profession, your country.
Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has repeatedly emphasized: the strength of Kazakhstan lies in the unity of the people, the responsibility of citizens and the ability to work for a common future.
That is why respect for State symbols begins with respect for your country, its laws, history and people.
We can look at many things differently.
But we have one Motherland, one State Flag, one State Emblem, one State Anthem.
And that means one responsibility for the future of Kazakhstan.
The land of Abai has always been a place where special importance was attached to thought, education and responsibility to the people. We bear this responsibility - teachers, scientists, students, parents.
And how carefully we treat our history, our symbols and our state depends on how Kazakhstan will be seen by the next generations.
Let the Day of State Symbols as symbols of our common home, the freedom that previous generations have preserved for us, become an occasion for each of us to once again think about our responsibility to the country.
I wish everyone peace, confidence, creative energy and new achievements for the benefit of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
With respect, Duman Orynbekov
