On 15th of May Northern University held an international conference with the headline “The Spiritual Heritage and Modernity of H. Tumanyan ”dedicated to his 150th anniversary.
It is worth mentioning that it is the first international conference in the Republic of Armenia organized in that occasion, as its initiator Northern University is one of the leading Institutions in Tumanyan’s studies.
Due to the active work of the Vernatun Research Center (created 2009) the activities aimed at covering the life and work of the Armenian poet got a new impetus.
Though it sounds a little bit ambitious, however we should mention that with the efforts of Northern University Polish and Arabian, Russian and Jewish scholars also became experts in the field of Tumanyan Studies. The evidence of this was the international conference held at University, where scientists from Poland, Egypt, Israel and Russia presented reports.
The international conference held within the framework of the "Tumanyan 150" program had an unprecedented coverage. The best specialists of this field, professors, corresponding members of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, the best international experts and representatives of reputable Universities of foreign countries highlighted in their speeches that the first international conference dedicated to the 150th anniversary of Tumanyan was held at Northern University.
Before the conference, the students and professors of the University laid a wreath at the monument of Armen Tigranyan, emphasizing that the cooperation of Tumanyan and Tigranyan made Armenian culture rich with immortal masterpieces. Then the attendees became the participants of Mikoyants's exhibition of paintings at the University under the title of "The Tracks of Tumanyan ".
At the plenary session, the rector Boris Makichyan spoke about the events that had already become a reality within the framework of the "Tumanyan 150" program. Particularly, a tribute to the monument of the writer was held at the "Tumanyan" section of Northern University of Alaverdi, "Tumanyan 150" commemorative medal was established ( given to those who have a significant contribution to the sphere of Tumanyan Studies) and so on.
And 150 pupils from nearly 30 educational institutions of the Republic participated in the interscholastic competition, which was again dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the Armenian poet. The results of the recitation contest have been summed up, and the results of essays and poetry contests will be announced next week. The winners of first prize will have an opportunity to study at Northern University for free at the first year of study, winners of the second prize awardees will receive a 50% discount, and the third prize winning pupils will have a trip to House Museum of Tumanyan in Tbilisi.
It is of necessary to add that the international conference titled “The Spiritual Heritage and Modernity of Tumanyan" is the fourth such initiative organized by the University over the last ten years.
Collections of materials from three international and republican conferences will soon be enhanced by another digest of articles with luxurious print, which will be sent to foreign colleagues.
And on May 16, the international conference will continue in different sections, where the leading experts will present thematic reports.
