It is a matter of great pride for the people of Tajikistan that after many centuries, precisely thanks to this invaluable blessing-state independence-taking into account the historical traditions of our ancestors and using the experience of developed countries, we began building our own national statehood 34 years ago.

For this reason, independence is considered one of the most sacred national values for us. This great achievement is the result of the devoted struggle of the honorable sons of the Tajik people to realize the centuries-old dream of our nation-the revival of Tajik national statehood.

The people of Tajikistan annually celebrate the Day of State Independence as a symbol of recognition and respect for this momentous date-as a grand national holiday in a solemn atmosphere, giving thanks that we have an independent state and a sovereign homeland. All this became possible through the unity and solidarity of the people.

Independence is the source of a powerful impetus for strengthening the pillars of the state and fulfilling the hopes of the people. It is the light that illuminates the people's path toward a bright future.

That is why respect for the most important unifying foundations of society is emphasized in all legislative acts and in the Constitution of the Republic of Tajikistan.

This measure, on one hand, reflects an understanding of life’s realities, and on the other hand, is driven by recent global changes, the transformation of international relations, and major political and social shifts in post-Soviet countries, which urge us toward unity, solidarity, and the protection of the achievements of the independence era.

In other words, unity and the promotion of national values are absolutely essential for independent Tajik society, and this constitutes one of the most important directions of the school of statehood established by the Leader of the Nation.

Over the 34 years of independence, a new stage has begun in the formation of the foundations of national statehood. The state acquired a national character; self-awareness and national identity became the political idea of the national state, and national pride transformed into a widespread quality that, despite the processes of globalization, has earned a worthy place in the modern world. In this regard, the role of the school of statehood of the Leader of the Nation is truly unique.

The school of statehood of the Leader of the Nation is a school of upbringing and education, a school of self-awareness and self-identification, a school of honor and dignity, humanism and compassion. In short, it is a school that guides humanity toward virtue and righteous deeds, and therefore it is eternal.

Independence has transformed the young sapling of this political and humanistic school into a mighty, sprawling, and flourishing tree, the sweet fruits of which bring joy to the Tajik people and the entire beloved country-Tajikistan.

During the 34 years of independence, Tajikistan has achieved significant success in all fields, especially in politics. The establishment of lasting and stable peace, the strengthening of national unity, and the broad development of constructive activities are among the main achievements of independence.

In the years of independence, the ultimate goal of our society has become the building of a legal, secular, and democratic state, and considerable progress has been made in this direction.

A national state cannot develop without a political idea. Such an idea must be formed on the basis of history, values, and national identity, correspond to current realities, needs, and challenges of society, and unite the people.

Our ideology and political concept are unity, solidarity, national self-awareness and self-identity, the strengthening of national statehood, and the prosperity of our beloved homeland.

These important foundations of statehood-self-knowledge, self-awareness, patriotism, and love for the homeland-encourage a person to value their Motherland, national sacred symbols-independence, freedom, and state emblems-as well as the highest cultural and moral values, the native language, world literature, and the ancient history and culture of their people. They also inspire efforts to leave a worthy legacy for future generations.

The logical conclusion is that the recognition of Tajikistan as an independent state and the Tajiks as a unified nation has become the most important achievement of our country on the international stage over the 34 years of independence. The “Open Doors” policy has become the foundation of Tajikistan’s foreign policy course. The support for the initiatives of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan on the International Decade of Action “Water for Sustainable Development” for 2018–2028 is also a new significant contribution of our country to global development.

The 34 years of independence have been a fruitful and successful period for the Tajik people. The domestic and foreign policy of our beautiful country, Tajikistan, has been accompanied by significant achievements, extensive work in improvement and construction, and a noticeable strengthening of the atmosphere of peace, friendship, and national unity. From the radiance of the sun of friendship, the hearts of the people have been filled with warmth and faith in a bright future-and all this has been made possible thanks to the wise and strategic policy of the Founder of Peace and National Unity-the Leader of the Nation, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, respected Emomali Rahmon.

In the practical implementation of the balanced policy of the Leader of the Nation, Emomali Rahmon, in promoting programs for improvement and development, in the progress of various spheres of life in sovereign Tajikistan, as well as in strengthening the country’s international authority, the role of education system workers is especially important. After all, the Leader of the Nation has repeatedly emphasized:

“During the period of independence, we faced many difficulties. But the light of knowledge in our country did not go out-on the contrary, it became brighter. Throughout the entire period of independence, I have supported the development of science and education as a primary and most important direction of state policy.”

Raising the level and quality of education, which the President especially emphasized in his speech on the occasion of the new school year, the Lesson of Peace, and Knowledge Day, is a personal duty of every conscientious, patriotic, and conscious teacher. After all, it is we who educate the students and pupils of this land, this ancestral homeland, the children of this country whose name is Tajikistan.

If they become educated and highly qualified specialists in their field, their contribution will be tangible in the development of all spheres of life in our republic, because it is precisely such personnel-armed with modern knowledge, creative and innovative young people-who will drive society forward.

This, in turn, directly depends on the quality of education.

Issues related to the quality of education, the professional level of teachers, the use of modern technologies, the implementation of digital tools in the educational process, strengthening the material and technical base, developing international cooperation, academic exchange of teachers and students, scientific research, and educational activities - all these remain at the core of our attention and practical work.

In order to ensure comprehensive control over the implementation of the constant directives of the respected Leader of the Nation, Emomali Rahmon, on the comprehensive development of foreign languages, especially Russian and English, two cultural centers were established at the Tajik State Pedagogical University named after Sadriddin Ayni - the Chinese Center and the Korean Center.

At the same time, the Russian Center was completely renovated, repaired, and equipped with modern technologies in accordance with current requirements.

A bilateral cooperation agreement was also signed with three foreign institutions of higher professional education, including universities from the Republic of Belarus and the Republic of India. This agreement covers programs for the exchange of teachers and students, development of curricula, joint scientific research, conferences, advanced training courses, exchange of scholars, postgraduate students, undergraduates and master’s students, preparation of scientific materials and projects, lecturing by professors, defense of candidate and doctoral dissertations, as well as sending students and teachers to language courses.

Regarding student exchange, in just six months of this year, 28 students were sent abroad from the university to continue their studies in the Republics of Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. According to the plan, another 30 bachelor’s and master’s students will be sent on scholarships to the Republic of Korea.

We continuously make efforts to implement the constructive policy and leadership of the Founder of Peace and Unity - the Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, respected Emomali Rahmon - in the field of education and upbringing, so that by raising the level and quality of education, we may nurture a new generation in the spirit of loyalty to universal values and the foundations of national statehood, instill respect for their chosen profession, and strengthen in their hearts love for the Motherland, the beloved President, and reverence for national sacred symbols.

We firmly believe that under the banner of the solemn celebration of Independence Day, Tajikistan will enter a new stage of sustainable development, and that government bodies and the people of this ancient land will make a worthy contribution to the development and prosperity of the country, to raising the scientific and technical level of society, and to nurturing a new worthy generation of Tajiks in the spirit of national pride, self-awareness, and self-identification.

On these joyful, sincere, and blessed days, I wish you, dear colleagues, beloved teachers, and respected staff, well-being and blessings, a fulfilling life, success, strong health, clear mind, a prosperous home, and a happy life. I am confident that our goals, aspirations, dreams, and good intentions in developing the field of education and implementing the guidance of the Leader of the Nation will be successfully achieved. Every year, thanks to independence, new achievements appear in the field of education and upbringing, and the freshness of the wind of independence is truly felt.

May this blessed, joyful, and happy wind of independence be a source of happiness and good fortune for every Tajik and every resident of Tajikistan!

Ahliddin Ibodullozoda - Rector of the TSPU named after S. Ayni