January 14 – Defender of the Motherland Day

Mrs. Munavvarkhon Ganiyeva will never forget that terrible day when she lost her son. There is only one consolation: Boburjon gave his life for his Motherland in the fight against terrorists.

Mothers of heroes are also brave and selfless, like their sons. We were convinced of this in a conversation with Mrs. Munavvarkhon Ganiyeva, a resident of Sakhovat mahalla in Margilan.

In July-August 2000, a group of terrorists invaded the mountain villages of Sariasiya and Uzun districts of Surkhandarya region. Several brave young men heroically died in the bloody clashes. One of them was 23-year-old lieutenant Boburjon Ganiyev. It is difficult to imagine what kind of grief the death of a brave guy turned into for his mother and relatives. Is it easy to raise a good son, useful to the country, and lose him without seeing his success in life? In a month he was supposed to get married... Mother's dreams collapsed.

Heartbroken, she wrote a letter to President Islam Karimov, who read her letter at a meeting of the Oliy Majlis.

“My son died heroically in the line of duty, defending the Motherland. I can’t convey in words my grief. But one thing consoles me: I am grateful to fate for having raised a worthy son for the country”.

Islam Karimov, with tears in his eyes, with excitement and trembling in his voice, read this letter.

In Margilan, the Ganiyevs are known as a military family. The hero’s father Abduhamid served in the Armed Forces in the rank of captain. Mrs. Munavvarkhon Ganiyeva herself is a famous teacher, honored mentor of Uzbekistan youth. After retiring, she worked as the Chairman of Yurmaduz and Sakhovat mahallas citizens’ assemblies for 13 years. The 82-year-old mother now lives with her children and grandchildren.

“My husband died at the age of 45, and I had to raise five children myself”, says Mrs. Munavvarkhon. – Thank God, I raised them all, educated them. I paid special attention to patriotic education. Three of my children chose the path of their father and became officers. Among them is my youngest son Boburjon. He always kept his promise. I was very worried when I found out that my son had died. Many people gathered at his funeral. At night I wrote a letter to the President. The fact that he received my letter and read it with tears in his eyes gave me strength.

The years have passed. But the memory of my brave son will forever remain in the hearts of people. A museum was created and a memorial plaque was installed in the house where Boburjon lived. A street is named after him.

Mrs. Munavvarkhon is proud of the fact that she raised patriots and became the mother of a hero.

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Masudjon Sulaymonov, UzA