“Yntaniq” Center: “100 Years of Victorious Peals” in Sarnaghbyur

The “Yntaniq” Children and Youth Creative Center of the Ministry of Education and Science, in cooperation with the Ani community of Shirak Province, organized a regional event on May 26 at the memorial dedicated to the May 1918 victory in the Sarnaghbyur community, marking the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Armenia and the May Heroic Battles.

In tribute to the struggle for survival waged by the brave people of Shirak, the event, featuring the participation of Gyumri Garrison Military Unit 55035, various dance ensembles from Shirak Province, award-winning singers, children of officers serving on the front line in Artsakh, and teenagers from educational and cultural institutions in Javakhk, turned into a grand celebration that became memorable not only for the residents of Sarnaghbyur but also for the people of Shirak Province.

The aim of the program entitled “100 Years of Victorious Peals” was to honor the May Heroic Battles as a brilliant chapter in the Armenian people’s liberation struggle, strengthen the patriotic spirit of the students, cultivate a willingness to defend the homeland through the example of heroes, develop the will to withstand and overcome difficulties, and unite teenagers from Armenia, Artsakh, and Javakhk around a common idea.

The honorary guests of the celebration included Margarita Taranian, a representative of the Staff of the National Assembly of Artsakh, Artsakh War freedom fighter and veteran, and Lieutenant Colonel, holder of the second-degree “Combat Cross” of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic; members of parliament; representatives of regional and municipal authorities; descendants of participants in the heroic battles; heads of various communities in Shirak Province; clergy; soldiers; and local residents.

During the solemn part of the event, wreaths were laid at the memorial dedicated to the victory in the 1918 Sarnaghbyur battle for survival, in memory of the brave sons who sacrificed their lives during the May Heroic Battles, accompanied by performances of the “Sardapat Heroes,” “Armenian Heroes,” “Heroes of the Caucasus,” and “Getashen” songs by students of the “Yntaniq” Center’s vocal and ethnographic singing and dance groups.

Accompanied by the brass bands of Gyumri Garrison Military Unit 55035 and the “Yntaniq” Center, a military march was performed, followed by the ceremonial presentation of the state flags of the Republics of Armenia and Artsakh and the symbolic flag of Javakhk.

In keeping with the spirit of the victorious day, students of the center’s dance, vocal, and duduk groups, young award-winning singers from Gyumri, as well as the “Ani” dance ensemble of Maralik and the “Krunк” dance ensemble of Sarnaghbyur presented musical performances and choreographic productions, including Armenian songs and dances born during the May Heroic Battles, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere for those present.

“Such an organizational opportunity pleasantly surprised me. When young people and teenagers from different regions participate together in a celebration, the idea of pan-Armenian unity is instilled in them from an early age. Kudos to those who conceived and implemented the unification of teenagers from different regions. The participants feel united and feel that they are part of Armenia,” said MP Samvel Nikoyan.

Alongside the artistic performances, attendees viewed an exhibition of the finest diverse paintings and decorative-applied art works submitted to the thematic creative competition and took part in the planned mass painting activity, or flash mob, entitled “Paint It Yourself.” Teenagers from the community were given the opportunity to put on paper their visions of the heroic deeds accomplished by their ancestors a century ago. Each work conveyed a message and meaning, expressing the victory of the Armenian people’s indomitable spirit, unbreakable will, and inexhaustible strength.

“This is the first time an outdoor painting flash mob has taken place in our village. We are proud to depict scenes from the battle that took place a hundred years ago, and we are proud to be Armenian and from Sarnaghbyur. We would like such events to be held in our village more often, and we would gladly participate. We spent an emotional, pleasant, interesting, and unique day,” shared her impressions Alla Hakobyan, a teenager from Sarnaghbyur.

“Such events are important because they raise children’s patriotic spirit and help educate them to become responsible, intelligent, and patriotic citizens. I thank the ‘Yntaniq’ Center for organizing such a beautiful and patriotic event and ensuring our participation,” said Narine Ghukasyan, a resident of Maralik.

The series of events entitled “100 Years of Victorious Peals” concluded in Sarnaghbyur with a traditional Armenian circle dance performed jointly by local residents and the participating concert groups.

S. Elbakyan