Today, at the capital's Congress Centre, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov gave a general lesson on the occasion of Day of Knowledge and Student Youth and the beginning of the new academic year.

It is a great historical event for all of us to meet, exchange opinions, share impressions and discuss successes achieved over the years of sovereign development. From this point of view, as the head of state, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Turkmenistan, teacher, professor, academician, I decided to meet with you today and deliver a report in all areas, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted in his opening speech.

Then the participants of the meeting listened with great attention and enthusiasm to the speech of the leader of the nation.

Having cordially congratulated the audience on Day of Knowledge and Student Youth, which is of great importance in the public life of the country, and the beginning of the new academic year 2021-2022, the head of state emphasized that in a few days it will be 30 years since the declaration of independence of Turkmenistan.

On the first day of golden autumn, we celebrate Day of Knowledge and Student Youth with events that symbolize rapid development of national education system.

Addressing the youth, leader of the nation Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov recalled that in his book "The Spiritual world of Turkmen" he noted that "the most valuable heritage is upbringing and education and science are the core of upbringing".

Decently continuing this noble tradition, today, with participation of members of the Khalk Maslakhaty of the Milli Gengesh, deputies of the Mejlis of the Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan, representatives of public organizations, respected elders, several modern secondary schools equipped with multimedia equipment and digital technologies are solemnly opened. Our kids, who are entering the world of knowledge for the first time, are presented with computers of domestic production "Bilimli", the leader of the nation said, noting that it is especially proud that these computers, containing information in Turkmen, Russian and English, are produced in our country.

In this regard, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov gave young people the following edification: to always strive to receive deep and comprehensive knowledge and improve their minds.

“As I noted in my book “Turkmenistan - Homeland of Neutrality”, “free, peaceful life of our people can be compared with calmly and freely soaring in the sky eagles and falcons, majestically spreading their mighty wings in the ascending streams. And speaking in artistic language, independence and neutrality are two wings of the Turkmen statehood! ”President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized.

As noted, after gaining independence, national symbols were established - State Flag, State Emblem and State Anthem. Our heroic and glorious history has been revived.

The Constitution of Turkmenistan, which is our Basic Law, is a national value that symbolizes the heights of our glorious past, present and great future, guarantees our unity, solidarity and dignity, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said proudly.

Today, the whole world knows such civilizations as Margiana, Bactria, Khorezm, Parthia, the culture of the Seljuqs Turkmens, historical and cultural monuments of Merv, Nisa, Urgench, Abiverd and Dehistan. I talked about the highest values brought by our people into world culture in such books as “Akhal-Teke is our pride and glory”, “Rapid tread of horse”, “Horse is a symbol of loyalty and happiness”, “Heavenly beauty”, “Music peace, music of friendship and brotherhood "," Turkmen culture "," Tea - medicine and inspiration "," Turkmenistan - heart of the Great Silk Road "," Turkmen Alabay ", the leader of the nation emphasized.

Continuing a kind of excursion into history, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized that the Turkmen states always paid great attention to the development of science and education, made great efforts for this and spared no expense. Thus, in these states, Muhammad Khorezmi, Abu Reikhan Biruni, Ibn Sina, Fakhreddin Razi, Abu Bekr Muhammad As-Suli, Abdyrakhman Hazini, Omar Khayyam showed themselves to the world.

Learn, build, and create! In your beautiful poetic and prose works, musical and other works of art, glorify highly our beloved Motherland - Turkmenistan, our white city - Ashgabat, our courageous people!

Addressing the inspired younger generation of our sovereign state, the leader of the nation emphasized that, despite the current financial and economic crisis in the world, we are developing the economy of our country through diversification.

As science plays an increasingly important role in our lives, a new generation is emerging that is well versed in advanced technology. As you know, throughout its history, the Turkmen people never lived in isolation from science. Our young people today have the right to be proud of great discoveries of our ancestors in the world of science. Along with this, the younger generation must deeply master modern achievements of mankind in science and technologies.

It was noted that humanism, decency, spirituality, modesty, courage, truthfulness and pure morality became the norms of life. And on this basis, a national school of morality and education arose.

Young people should turn noble principles of our ancestors into their life credo. Today, the wisdom of our people illuminates the whole world, and huge transformations are taking place on the Turkmen land. In this glorious era, the main goal of our youth should be education, loyalty to the shrines created by our ancestors, and dedicated service to their beloved Motherland, the leader of the nation said.

This was the end of the first hour of the general lesson, which continued after a short break.

Continuing the conversation, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that at present, on the way of creating an industrially developed state, much attention is paid to the harmonious development of economic sectors and regions. The share of agriculture is increasing. By radically improving the methods of managing the industry, the level of living conditions of villagers is consistently increasing. Our villages are developing harmoniously.

Bread is a sacred product. It has long been a tradition for the Turkmen people to consider wheat a storehouse, honouring bread, touching their foreheads, not throwing bread crumbs, protecting the tamdyr, the head of state emphasized.

Turkmen melons, including dried ones, were in great demand in the countries of Europe and the East. Historical sources indicate that sweet, like honey, Turkmen melons were sent to Baghdad, China and India. Now in our country hundreds of varieties of melons are grown.

Cotton is also one of the very important crops, the head of state continued. Cotton fibre, which is our wealth and glory, is used to produce yarn, which is used to make cotton fabric, which is environmentally friendly and pleasant for the human body. Oil is obtained from the seeds of this valuable plant, and cake is used for feeding domestic animals. Cotton branches are processed and materials used in furniture and construction are produced.

Particular attention in the speech was paid to the ongoing large-scale work to protect human health - the most valuable treasure of our state and society, to improve the national health care system in accordance with world standards.

Further, the head of state touched on the topic of sports, stating that it is a value that develops a person physically and spiritually, and also expands his worldview.

Here is my admonition to youth - our future - love sports! Sport is strength, beauty, health and high spirit!

The great future of Turkmen sport is in the confident hands of our valiant youth. We are immensely proud of this, the leader of the nation emphasized.

The white yurt is an integral part of the life culture of the Turkmen people. Councils of state importance were held in Turkmen white yurts. With this in mind, we have built “Türkmeniň ak öýi” buildings in all velayats of the country, which embody the features of the national architectural art. Today they are a kind of symbols of our hospitality and national culture, the origins of which go back many millennia, the head of state noted.

At the end of his speech, the leader of the nation wished the participants of the meeting good health, long years, happy and prosperous life, and great success in their studies!

The speech of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was greeted with stormy, prolonged applause.

Addressing those present, the leader of the nation noted that today during the meeting, an interested exchange of views took place on the large-scale work carried out in the country in all areas and important social issues.

Addressing 5^th year student of the Turkmen Agricultural University named after S.A. Niyazov Gulsenem Orazveliyeva, who raised her hand, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov asked if she wanted to ask a question of her interest or simply express her opinion.

As noted, the general lesson given by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on the first day of the new academic year 2021-2022, was full of deep meaning and content, leaving pleasant impressions on each of those present and enhancing the festive mood.

It is a great happiness to witness this important event in the month celebrating the 30th anniversary of the sacred independence of Turkmenistan, the student said, expressing the general opinion of the audience.

Thanks to the wise leadership of the Great Arkadag, happy young people grow up physically strong and spiritually rich, study science and receive education, and work creatively.

Having asked who else would like to express his opinion or ask a question, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov invited 5th year cadet of the Military Institute of the Ministry of Defence Toylymyrat Begmuradov to the rostrum.

Addressing the President of Turkmenistan, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the country, as well as the participants of the meeting - professors, teachers and students, the cadet cordially congratulated everyone on Day of Knowledge and Student Youth celebrated today.

Thanks to the tireless care of the leader of the nation, who outlines the development of education as the most important direction of state policy, at present, all conditions are created in the higher and specialized educational institutions of the military and law enforcement agencies of the country for high-quality education of cadets to receive military specialties.

- We, the children of the Motherland, on this historic day want to sincerely assure you that, further following the model example of your beloved grandfather Berdimuhamed aga, the wise principles of your beloved father Malikguly aga, we will honour our sacred military duty and will proudly take part in the solemn military parade in honour of the celebration of the 30th anniversary of independence of Turkmenistan, T. Begmuradov assured.

Expressing deep gratitude for the broad transformations implemented in the national education system, the opportunities created for the comprehensive development of military education and military art, speaking on behalf of the cadets of all military institutions, he wished President of Turkmenistan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the country Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov good health, long life and success in his state activities.

At the end of the students' speeches, the leader of the nation again turned to the participants of today's meeting, asking if they had any wishes or specific proposals on exciting topics. As noted, anyone can ask a question of his interest, including in writing, by sending a letter to the Office of the President of Turkmenistan.

Then the head of state addressed all those present:

- Dear youth, the future of our country is connected with you!

In conclusion, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov read out his famous poetic lines, which found a lively response among all Turkmen citizens.

Oh, my beloved country,

You are both friendship and spring!

The world is a single flag of hearts

And a sign for the whole Universe!

Life is illuminated with happiness,

These are the times!

He always goes forward –

Heroic people.

Addressing the students and pupils present in the hall, the leader of the nation called out: "Dear youth, with you forward, forward and only forward, my native land - Turkmenistan!"

This concludes the general lesson.

Having warmly said goodbye to the meeting participants, the head of state left the place of the event.