Every year, during the winter holidays, as part of a long-standing and cherished tradition, the capital hosts major New Year celebrations that bring together children from all corners of Turkmenistan.  

Today, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted a ceremony honoring the young laureates of the special Gulbaba Children's Prize, organized by the Central Council of the Magtymguly Youth Organization of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Education of the country.  

Children's competitions and festivals at both national and international levels help identify and support the creative abilities of the younger generation, develop amateur and professional art in all its diverse genres, and ensure continuity in unique folk traditions. Any competition creates a broad field for experimentation, bold exploration, and new discoveries, encouraging children to express themselves.  

Each year, schoolchildren under 18 years old from all regions of the country participate in the Gulbaba Prize competition. These are young talents—winners of subject Olympiads, intellectual contests, creative competitions and sports tournaments. According to the rules of the competition, preliminary selection rounds are held at etrap and velayat levels, with the best representatives earning the right to participate in the national round. This year, 90 talented children and two children's creative groups were awarded the prize.  

The harmonious development of the younger generation is one of the priorities of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov's socially oriented state policy. These goals are also reflected in the youth policy pursued in our country. Young talents, whether they live in cities or remote settlements, today have every opportunity to unlock their creative abilities and talents.  

Programs are being implemented in Turkmenistan to improve education, healthcare, physical culture and sports systems. Art centers operate throughout the country, where children and youth are introduced to the world of art. Special creative schools are opening, modern cultural centers are being built, as well as parks for recreation and entertainment. The wonderful tradition of ancestors—giving children everything best and surrounding them with special care and love—continues worthily in this era of Revival of the new epoch of the powerful state.  

Thus, young Turkmen citizens have opportunities to showcase their diverse talents and connect with the priceless treasure trove of national and world culture. After all, it is they who will contribute to the development of art in our country in the future.  

...Gifted children were greeted by numerous peers and relatives gathered at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry to share in their joy on this festive occasion.  

The event began with a video presentation showcasing the creativity of Gulbaba—a talented boy who left an indelible mark on Turkmen music by virtuously playing the dutar and composing songs from as early as three years old.  

In a festive atmosphere amidst applause from attendees, the names of winners were announced. They were awarded valuable prizes and diplomas as laureates of the competition. It was noted that these young talents—the rising stars of this era of Revival of new epoch —would soon take up a creative baton from older generations to glorify our homeland just as young Turkmen musician Gulbaba Akyev once did.  

Participants of this spectacular event also received memorable gifts intended to inspire them to take part in new creative competitions, achieve cherished goals, and win desired victories.  

The laureates and guests were congratulated by young performers—students from secondary schools and preschool institutions. In their heartfelt performances, these children sincerely expressed gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for creating opportunities to live and study in a prosperous independent neutral Turkmenistan—a land of happy childhoods.