Beloved Uzbekistan, may your independence, freedom, and peace endure forever!
On the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence
I swear by the blood that runs through my veins:
I will never renounce you, my homeland!
Your peace is my happiness, your honor is my pride.
Every inch of your land is precious to me, my beloved Uzbekistan!
Sometimes, understanding the true meaning of life and appreciating our blessings can be as simple as comparing yesterday and today, noting the instability in distant lands versus the peace in our country.
Recently, I walked through the capital’s streets, where wide, brightly lit squares celebrating the holiday are beautifully decorated. The fountains are picturesque, children nearby are laughing joyfully, and people’s smiles are contagious. At metro stations and on modern buses, I observe my fellow citizens – calm, unhurried, and free from worry. Their eyes shine with a peaceful happiness and quiet contentment.
Memories from 15-20 years ago flood back…
We also celebrated Independence Day, but an undercurrent of anxiety was evident in people’s expressions, eyes, and dreams. Worries about daily necessities and an uncertain future cast a pall over them. Across public transport and various social groups, doubt was widespread – people were hesitant to share their views freely or discuss issues openly.
What about today? A completely new social and intellectual landscape has emerged in our society.
Today’s citizen of Uzbekistan has a voice, their own stance, and the freedom to think. Our compatriots’ perspectives have evolved: we now discuss quality education, global benchmarks, modern technologies, and freedom of speech, moving beyond daily worries. Whether a student engrossed in a tablet or book on the metro, the serene expression of an elder, or the happiness in people’s eyes – these are all outcomes of independence, freedom, and peace in a nation where human dignity holds the highest value.
The strongest foundation for our present prosperity and freedom of thought is peace.
Observing the chaos overseas – destroyed cities, people fleeing gunfire and explosions, millions losing their chances to learn and earn – we realize how fortunate we are to have peace in our country.
While people in other countries desperately seek shelter from explosions and warning sirens, our children sleep peacefully in bright, cozy homes and attend schools and universities each morning without fear. Instead of explosions and chaos, our streets are filled with fountains and calming music.
Is this not truly immense happiness and a highest value? After all, development, creativity, and free thought can only flourish in a nation where peace and stability reign.
Independence is every citizen’s right to live freely and happily, peacefully and calmly in their own land. It has sparked the people’s creative and intellectual talents and increased their confidence in the future.
The festive atmosphere across our country these days vividly reflects progress, unity, and optimism for a bright future.
As long as our ancestors’ blood runs in our veins and we hear the sounds of fountains and children’s laughter under peaceful skies, the honor and freedom of this sacred land will always stay above everything else.
Beloved Uzbekistan, may your independence, freedom, and peace endure forever!
Alouddin Gafforov, UzA
