Month: June 2022

Avetik Chalabyan

First of a multi-part series, this article was originally published in Armenian by Mediamax on May 24, 2022.

Avetik Chalabyan’s legal representatives have published his article penned at the Armavir Penitentiary Institution, where the co-founder of ARAR Foundation is currently being held under trumped up charges.

The resistance movement in Armenia is evolving and gradually gaining momentum, as it is entering its second month. This movement has made it abundantly clear that Nikol Pashinyan’s public support is eroding day by day, and his removal from power is only a matter of time and format.

As I am composing this letter, Pashinyan is in Brussels facing a difficult dilemma. Externally, he is faced with an overt campaign of coercion by foreign powers, and internally he is subjected to a campaign of peaceful disobedience that will negate his dubious anti-Armenian plans. 

He will try to maneuver between these two poles and spin each according to his plans; however, the end of his game is near and clear, where a decisive reversal of fortune is possible at any given moment.

The real choice is not whether Pashinyan will stay or leave. Rather, it is the path that Armenia will choose to follow after his removal from office.

Although the public discourse is revolving around who will replace Pashinyan, it must be focused on what will happen after his removal from office, and what are the radical changes that we must introduce into our lives to end this historical, vicious cycle of misfortunes, and ultimately build a lasting and viable state.

We must be honest with ourselves and accept the fact that, while Pashinyan is the living embodiment of our failures, he certainly is not the reason. For that, we must look at our 600 or so years of stateless history, during which time we have lost a significant portion of our national heritage; withered our merits in other pursuits; replaced our unity and resolve with unprincipled adaptability; and embraced laziness, pettiness, ignorance and arrogance. 

We owe our national revivals in the 19th and 20th centuries to the superhuman efforts of a small minority of educated and creative individuals, who faced the deeply rooted materialism, xenomania and unprincipled adaptability of the majority, that eventually led to our loss of statehood in 1921, and a repeat of the exact same scenario 101 years later, at the moment. Yet again, a weakened and confused Armenia is trapped between a ferocious and anti-Armenian campaign of pressure waged by the Azeri-Turkish tandem, a Russia unsure of its abilities and ready to make concessions on our behalf, and a profoundly indifferent West filled with false and far promises, where it is forced to choose between bad and worse again. However, while there are similarities between the dismantling of the Armenian state now and 101 years ago, there are essential differences as well.

These challenges notwithstanding, the fighting spirit of Armenians is far from exhausted. Armenians in Armenia, Artsakh and Armenia-centric segments of the Diaspora are capable of fighting against the current efforts to dismantle the Armenian state and start the process of undertaking vital changes for a new Armenia.

What is the essence of these changes? It is no secret that Armenia and Artsakh have lost a significant part of their geopolitical importance and have ended up with a diminished role in regional politics. In order to restore this role and the balance of regional power, three radical changes must take place simultaneously in the next 20 years or so.

First, Armenia’s population must grow following a 30-year period of decline. Population growth in Armenia and Artsakh must exceed those of the neighboring Turkish states.

Second, Armenia’s economy must be radically rebuilt, forging a growth rate capable of doubling the size of the economy every 10 years. Qualitatively, the economy must also be more technologically developed than its neighboring countries.

Finally, the Armenian Army and the remaining armed forces and security structures must become the best in the region. At the very least, they have to have equal capabilities and quality with those of the neighboring countries.

Upon completion of these three steps, Armenia will restore its standing, engage its archenemies from a position of confidence, and pursue its national interests consistently and unapologetically.

However, we have yet to reach this point. And as of now, the path to this point is foggy and appears unattainable. I will discuss the path and the means to get there in subsequent articles. At the moment, the decision is between an Armenia replete with unprincipled adaptability and laziness, descending to its demise and an Armenia that brings its full resolve and creativity over the next few decades to ensure its viability and prosperity. Today, the Armenian population on the streets must take this decisive step and not only remove this weak and feeble government, but also be ready to roll up its sleeves over the next few years to build the strong, viable and unified Armenia of our dreams through individual and collective effort and sacrifice, guided by capable leadership.

Aram Khachaturian’s handwritten letter to Emma Tsaturyan

“To the respectable Emma. With good memories. From Aram Khachaturian, with thankfulness towards her. June 12, 1956 Moscow.”

My eyes widened as my mother translated these words for me from the original loopy Russian handwriting penned by Aram Khachaturian. Captivated by the maestro’s note of gratitude to my tatik, I began researching their musical relationship.

My great-grandmother Emma Tsaturyan was a renowned Soviet-era conductor, musician, professor and artistic director. She was the co-founder and president of the Armenian Music Company, which currently bears her memorial plaque. She also was the artistic director of the Armenian Folk Song and Dance Ensemble of Tatul Altunyan and the Aram Ter-Hovhannisyan Choir, as well as the conductor of the State Choir of Armenia. In 1982, she was awarded the title of People’s Artist of the Armenian SSR, the highest national title of Soviet Armenia.

Tsaturyan’s contributions to Armenian society and folk music are plentiful, and because she was a Dilijan native, the town proudly named a street in her honor several years ago. Naturally, she worked closely with composers such as Arno Babajanyan, Alexander Dolukhanyan and Edgar Hovhannisyan. Her relationship with Khatchaturian was one of her many close ties.

“I was very very close with Aram Khachaturian,” said Tsaturyan during a television interview for After Hayk Nahapet.

Indeed, Khachaturian and Tsaturyan worked on several projects together in 1956. They were part of the jury of the Republic choir competition along with opera singer Tatevik Sazandaryan. 

(From left) Tatevik Sazandaryan, Emma Tsaturyan and Aram Khachaturian at the 1956 Republic choir competition.

Tsaturyan also assisted Khachaturian with adapting the words of poet Gegham Saryan to a musical composition for an upcoming concert he had organized. Because Khachaturian didn’t know Armenian well and Saryan was not a lyricist, Tsaturyan helped him cohesively combine the text and music. I discovered that this was the source of Khachaturian’s letter to my tatik.

Tsaturyan and Saryan worked for two days on the lyrics, and “Aram Khachaturian accepted the work with satisfaction,” as documented by Knarik Grigoryan in Tsaturyan’s 1987 biography. The concert turned out to be a great success.

“It was very moving,” said Tsaturyan while discussing the concert. “Aram Khachaturian was waiting outside to greet us, [as] we were exiting the concert. They were standing in front of the theater. He approached me with a signed photo. Through that [the signed photo], you will be able to conclude his attitude towards me.”

Khachaturian penned the note of gratitude behind that photo.

Tsaturyan was always a mythical figure to me growing up. She was this famous, powerful woman of whose musical talent I only garnered a fraction. She was strict and stoic with the voice of an angel that would softly lull my mother to sleep when she was a child.

As for Khachaturian, he was a symbol of Armenian greatness and a man who left an indelible mark on the world of music. His influence even managed to weave its way into American pop culture with “Sabre Dance.” I feel grateful to have uncovered Khachaturian’s musical connection and friendship with my great-grandmother.

Today marks the 119th birth anniversary of Maestro Khachaturian.

Forty-nine years ago, in 1973, Tsaturyan honored her friend and conducted her choir during his 70th birthday celebration. Khachaturian would later send Tsaturyan another letter, one of his last before his death in 1978.

“Heartfelt and warm greetings to the Armenian Choir Company and the lovely Emma Tsaturyan for taking part in my organized concert and for the wonderful performance. Your choir is a talented group and is of high quality professionalism. I wish you new and greater successes. Your friend, Aram Khachaturian.”

For some, these written letters would be considered historical artifacts that were once authored by one of the greatest composers in Soviet history, but for Tsaturyan, they’re merely letters from Aram.

Author’s mother with Emma Tsaturyan

Applications are open for the second annual ANCA Haroutioun and Elizabeth Kasparian Summer Academy set for August 1st to 5th, 2022

WASHINGTON, DC – Armenian American high schoolers and rising university first-year students are invited to apply for the second annual Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Haroutioun & Elizabeth Kasparian Summer Academy, a week-long program introducing future leaders to advocacy and career opportunities in the nation’s capital.

The week-long program will take place from August 1 to 5, 2022. Applications are available online and must be submitted by June 30th.

“The ANCA is thrilled to welcome the best and brightest Armenian American high schoolers to Washington, DC for an intensive one-week session to learn pro-Artsakh/Armenia federal advocacy best practices, explore future career opportunities, and make friends for life,” said ANCA Programs director Alex Manoukian. “The Haroutioun and Elizabeth Kasparian Summer Academy’s innovative program will open up exciting new academic and professional horizons for these students.”

The determined participants of the 2021 ANCA Haroutioun and Elizabeth Kasparian Summer Academy on Capitol Hill.

Summer Academy participants, ages 17 to 19, are chosen based on a rigorous application process focusing on academic excellence and proven pro-Artsakh/Armenia efforts through groups, including the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF), Armenian churches and organizations, schools, student groups and individual initiatives.

ANCA Summer Academy participants will stay at the ANCA Aramian House, a landmark property in downtown Washington, DC which serves as the home and permanent headquarters of the ANCA’s signature youth programs. The Aramian House is named in honor of the late community leader and philanthropist Martha Aramian of Providence, Rhode Island.

During the inaugural session of the program in 2021, Summer Academy participants explored Armenia and Artsakh’s diplomatic challenges and opportunities in discussions with former US Ambassador to Armenia John Evans and Artsakh Representative to the US Robert Avetisyan. Big Whig Media founders Ken and Keith Nahigian discussed the broader Washington, DC political media scene and effective communication strategies during a tour of their state-of-the-art multi-media studio located just blocks from the White House. Battling Armenian Genocide denial in academic and community settings took center stage during a discussion with Dr. Khatchig Mouradian, the Armenia and Georgia Area Specialist at the Library of Congress.

During the 2021 program, the ANCA’s Washington, DC team focused on teaching best practices in Armenian American grassroots advocacy, with interactive sessions on the organization’s 360-degree agenda to defend Artsakh safety and security, promote stronger US-Armenia ties, secure justice for the Armenian Genocide and support at-risk diasporan Armenian communities in the Middle East and around the world.  Summer academy participants were also introduced to a wide range of career opportunities on Capitol Hill, international development, advocacy, and consulting by accomplished Armenian Americans in each of the areas.

Vana Dakarian, a 2021 Summer Academy alumna from Elgin, IL, explained, “It was an honor to participate in the ANCA Haroutioun and Elizabeth Kasparian Summer Academy. In just five short days, we spoke with professionals, learned about advocating for the Armenian Cause, and explored careers in politics, policy, and media. I encourage all Armenian youth to participate in this one-of-a-kind opportunity, to learn, explore the nation’s capital and form great friendships.”

Garni Khanzadian, who was an incoming freshman at University of California, Riverside, concurred. “After the Artsakh War in 2020, many Armenian youth were left feeling helpless, and this program opened my eyes to all the things we can do to help our brothers and sisters. The guests who spoke to us during this trip came from all different backgrounds, and we got a chance to listen to so many stories about them helping to spread the Armenian Cause. Thanks to the Haroutioun & Elizabeth Kasparian Summer Academy, I met lifelong friends from all over the country, and made memories that will last forever.”

Video introductions to the 2021 Summer Academy alumni are available on the ANCA YouTube channel.

The ANCA Summer Academy is named in honor of Haroutioun and Elizabeth Kasparian in recognition of their lifetime of selfless service and sacrifice for the Armenian community and cause, through a generous grant by their daughter and son-in-law, Arsho and Adour Aghjayan and grandson Nareg. It is the latest in the series of youth empowerment and career development programs including the Leo Sarkisian Internship Program, Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program, Maral Melkonian Avetisyan Fellowship, and the ANCA Rising Leaders Program – which features the Lucine Kouchakdjian Capitol Hill Day.

Members of inaugural 2021 ANCA Haroutioun and Elizabeth Kasparian Summer Academy

Gituzh calls on the Diaspora to combine forces to advance the development of scientific research and R&D capacities that serve Armenia’s needs.

In the social welfare and economic modernization of a country, science and technology play a vital role. In Armenia’s case, scientific advancement is not just one aspect of growth, but a critical factor in addressing the major external threats and internal challenges we face. The scientific ecosystem in Armenia that was left unaddressed for decades has degraded, public perceptions regarding science and scientists, disproportionately affected. The scientific community is aware of the problems and the vital contributions science and technology can make to address our precarious security, economy and overall development. There is a connected moral responsibility to participate in discussions about the role of science in the above-mentioned and to critically evaluate and adopt processes through which the beneficial potential of science will be promoted.

To this end, almost 200 founders, entrepreneurs and businessmen from the high-tech industry and beyond, as well as 18 major associations and foundations came together to form the Gituzh initiative to prioritize the development and modernization of Armenia’s scientific ecosystem to promote the rapid development of the country and serve its security. The demand formulated by the Gituzh community has the support of representatives of over 700 companies.

In a conversation with the Weekly, Aram Pakhchanian, a member of the Gituzh initiative, and chairman of the Board at Ayb Foundation, stressed the absence of scientific growth in Armenia following independence, with science being more of a social issue, rather than one to secure the future. Such an approach has brought about a recession with all its vices: decrease in the number of scientists, increase in the average age, insufficient staff, petty funding and so on.

Tigran Shahverdyan, a member of the Gituzh initiative and a co-founder and CTO of Robomart, stresses that there is no clear cut state order for scientific research and R&D and “no awareness of its vital role.” One of the tasks of Gituzh is also the formation of such a state order and the public demand for it.

The short-term focus of the initiative is to ensure increased funding for science, a promise that at least four-percent of the budget or one-percent of GDP should be spent on R&D. “This is our demand, which should be reflected in the law,” Pakhchanian said, so that people who decide to get involved in science realize that it is not a situational decision, but one that guarantees long-term stability. The long-term goal is to work with the public and make them reconsider their approach to science, “to stop looking at science as a strange occupation, but rather as their only guarantee of development and security. We have to achieve that, and the way to do that is to explain, to clarify, to share, to persuade.”

When it comes to security, Shahverdyan notes with dismay that in 2021 less than half of the budget allocated for defense R&D was spent for that purpose, the other half was disseminated for other unknown purposes. “There is no strategy for defense R&D. This is the problem that should be number one for any state leadership.”

The essence of how science contributes to society is the creation of new knowledge and its utilization to improve human lives and solve various issues facing them. But societal progress through science requires sufficient accumulation of scientific knowledge. This is not something that can be acquired in a single day but instead requires a steady, continuous build-up.

Armenia has the human resources that can invigorate the physical and economic infrastructures to help overthrow the 1990s sense of values, build robust R&D capabilities and drive the country into the modern age. The objective of Gituzh is the continuous development of science in Armenia for the country’s security, prosperity and economic development.

“Our belief is that there can’t be a state in a country that will develop and at the same time will not have powerful scientific potential,” Pakhchanian added. “We are in a very early stage of development, which has a good side. The faster you act, the faster the development will be because in the initial stages everything goes faster.”

To boost the scientific potential of Armenia, the Science Committee has announced new programs for both young and experienced researchers abroad who will relocate to Armenia or work remotely, win grants and form teams. “Entrepreneurs can also make their contribution by donating funds and equipment to the development of science in Armenia,” Shahverdyan said.

The Diaspora has a significant role to play in the development of science in Armenia. However, according to Pakhchanian, the government and policymakers in Armenia also have to understand what needs to be done in order to engage the Diaspora’s scientific potential.

Armenia can take that giant leap of faith and action to put the country on the global scientific map with all its inherent privileges. Scientists and entrepreneurs from the motherland and Diaspora can also make a difference and collaborate to help develop science that serves the nation. “Fast and hard work is required here, and the goal of the Gituzh is to direct, support and promote those efforts.”

Shahverdyan calls on the Diaspora not to wait for special conditions or a completely adapted environment to contribute and invest. The opportunities are there, from the minimum to the most ambitious. “It all starts with a desire.”

“We have in Armenia bright minds, who, despite all the difficulties, persevere in scientific research. But the consistent, rapid growth of science potential in Armenia is impossible without the involvement of scientists, entrepreneurs living in the Diaspora, why not also non-Armenian,” Pakhchanian added.

Both members of the Gituzh initiative agree that Armenia’s true chance for development lies in involving the Diaspora. In Gituzh, they have profound faith in the potential and dream to make Armenia a scientific center whose successes have magnetism. “I call on the Armenian scientists, be they in Diaspora or Armenia, not to break that faith. This is a unique chance to unite around a goal with a vital value for us,” Pakhchanian stresses. “We will either do that and become what we dream to become, or we can’t and there will be no dream.”