For the Tajik people, independence represents state sovereignty, the revival of national statehood, national pride, and a profound responsibility towards the past, present and future of the nation.
For 35 years, the people of Tajikistan have been pursuing a remarkable path of nation-building and development under conditions of independence. Certainly, this journey has not been easy. The first years of independence were an extremely challenging and decisive period for our state and nation. During this difficult historical stage, through the strong will and wise leadership of the Founder of Peace and National Unity — Leader of the Nation and President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, peace and stability were restored, and national unity became a firm foundation of statehood.
Today, every achievement of independent Tajikistan, every new school and university, every enterprise and infrastructure project, and every confident step forward in the development of the economy, science, education, culture and sport are, above all, the results of peace, stability, national unity and constructive government policy.
Throughout this process, youth development has consistently remained a priority of state policy. The Leader of the Nation places special trust in young people, recognising them as a powerful force for development, a strategic resource of the state and the generation that will continue the nation's path of progress.
During the years of independence, extensive opportunities have been created for young people to pursue education, acquire professional skills, develop their talents and abilities, engage in scientific activities, participate in sports and cultural life, establish businesses and take part in public affairs.
Today, we witness the significant achievements of Tajik youth across various fields. Young people participate in national and international Olympiads and competitions and make valuable contributions to science. Young entrepreneurs support economic development through new initiatives. Young athletes proudly raise the flag of Tajikistan on international sporting stages. Young representatives of culture and the arts showcase the nation's heritage through their talent and expertise.
All these achievements demonstrate that the youth of Tajikistan possess energy, talent, a broad outlook and considerable potential for constructive contribution to society.
We, the youth of the independence era, are a fortunate generation growing up in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity. We have witnessed the country's development during the years of independence and benefit from the opportunities provided by the state. Therefore, our responsibility is equally great.
In one of his speeches, our respected Leader of the Nation emphasised: “Our young people, wherever they may be, must possess a strong sense of national identity, take pride in their Homeland, nation, independent state, native language and national culture, and always be ready to protect them while remaining vigilant and alert.”
These words of the Leader of the Nation serve as a guide for life and a measure of civic responsibility for every young Tajik citizen. Being a true follower of the Leader of the Nation is not simply a matter of words or slogans. A genuine follower is a young person who sincerely loves the Homeland, studies the history and culture of their people, respects the state language, acquires knowledge and professional skills, obeys the law and contributes to society through honest work.
A young person of the independence era should be patriotic, nationally conscious, well-educated, vigilant, perceptive and responsible.
Today, as the world faces various threats, political awareness and vigilance are particularly important for young people. We must approach all information critically and thoughtfully, relying on reason and knowledge, while cherishing our national values, peace, unity and social stability.
We strengthen independence by respecting the law, studying diligently, mastering professions and crafts, engaging in productive work, preserving our language and national culture, contributing to the country's economic development and remaining devoted to our Homeland. When a young person studies science, makes an invention, acquires a profession, creates jobs, participates in sports, preserves national culture or contributes to the improvement of their local community, they are directly contributing to the strengthening of state independence.
Therefore, we must respond to the trust placed in us by the esteemed Leader of the Nation through concrete actions. We must demonstrate that the younger generation of independent Tajikistan is truly capable of carrying the flag of the nation's and state's future.
We must not only preserve the achievements of 35 years of independence but also build upon them, leaving future generations a Tajikistan that is even more prosperous, developed, strong and respected.
We are the children of independent Tajikistan. We must prove ourselves worthy of our Homeland, our independence and the trust placed in us by the Leader of the Nation.
There is every reason to affirm that today's youth are the builders of Tajikistan's future and the guardians of state independence.
Therefore, let us contribute to strengthening the foundations of national statehood through knowledge, hard work, patriotism, national self-awareness and devotion to our Homeland.
Let each of us proudly declare: “I am a young citizen of independent Tajikistan! I am a true follower of the Leader of the Nation! I bear responsibility for protecting and strengthening the independence of my Homeland!”
Dilnoza MA'RUFZODA,
Leading Specialist of the Legal Affairs and Human Resources Department of the Main Department of Geology under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan.
