The name of Islam Abduganievich Karimov is forever inscribed in the history of Uzbekistan as the name of the statesman under whose leadership the country gained its long-awaited independence in 1991 and began to build its own path of development. For just over a quarter of a century, Islam Karimov served the people day and night and helped our country gain recognition from many powerful states. Then, his main priorities became strengthening national sovereignty, creating new institutions of power, forming a system of education and culture, and preserving interethnic harmony and stability in society. The first president was always accompanied and supported by his wife, the great Tatyana Akbarovna. She made a significant contribution to the development of the humanities, teaching and conducting research for many years. Today, Tatyana Akbarovna, together with her daughter Lola Karimova, continues to carry out an important mission — to preserve the memory of her husband, support cultural projects, and tell young people about his life and ideals. For her work, the memory and tribute to the first president is very symbolic and deeply respectful.
Recently, I had the rare but very significant opportunity to meet Tatyana Akbarovna in person. This meeting was an important event, filled with memories, emotions and deep respect for a person whose name has become a symbol of our country's independence. On September 5, at the Scientific and Educational Complex named after Islam Karimov, a roundtable discussion was held where Tatiana Akbarovna delivered a sincere and heartfelt address to the participants. She emphasized that the mahalla plays a vital role in the life of the Uzbek people and recalled the words of Islam Karimov, who stressed that only through unity, mutual assistance, and solidarity can society truly progress. This phenomenal event became a source of inspiration and motivation for me to serve my people, to preserve and honour my ancestors, who are an important and integral part of the Uzbek people.
Speeches from folks close to Islam Karimov really stood out at this event. You know, they brought back echoes of the past. And those first little reform steps the young state took, they felt powerful even now. In their stories, he came across not just as this strict leader type. But also as a guy with a great sense of humor. He could lighten up any tense spot with one smart quip. And support people around him during the toughest times, I mean, that's what they said. Those tales made it clear. Behind all the big political choices was a man with a huge heart. And a really sharp mind too. We got to hear about how the constitution got laid down, as participants there. Plus the laws that are still around and followed strictly today. But oh, the part that hit hardest was this poem by a young girl who can't see much. Despite not being able to take in the world's beauty with her eyes. Her heart saw things deeper than our seeing eyes could. She recited this piece full of longing. Bright nostalgia for old times. For when Islam Karimov was right there with his country. Her words got to everyone in the room. The hall went totally quiet. Then lots of people couldn't hold back tears. It was one of those rare moments when art and memory merged, awakening in each of us a sense of deep connection. Tatyana Akbarova, along with the crowd, could not hold back her tears. Her eyes showed how important it was for her to see that the memory of the first President lives on in people's hearts and that his ideas resonate with the new generation.
One of the biggest things that stuck with me was meeting Tatyana Akbarovna Karimova. And also some folks who'd been real close friends to the first President for years and years. You know, it really drove home how the memory of those great people isn't just stuck in some dusty history books. It's alive in folks' hearts. In their stories they tell, in how they remember things, in those real feelings they still have. I got it then. Islam Abduganievich Karimov's legacy goes way beyond just independence or all those reforms. It's got this religious strength too. The kind that still pushes us forward today. His smarts, that sharp intelligence of his, plus how he could mix being tough with being human. All that serves as a solid example for people like me. What really got to me though was seeing how his memory gets handed down to the young ones at these kinds of events. Like, when you listen to those emotional talks from his old colleagues. Or a little girl reciting a poem that makes the whole crowd tear up. And then Tatyana Akbarovnasharing her memories so lovingly, so tenderly. It hits you. History isn't dead at all. It lives right inside us. For me personally, this whole thing was a big wake-up call. Respecting history, respecting the people who built our nation from the ground up.It's not merely saying thanks. No, it's the actual base for whatever future we end up with. So if we in the next generation keep holding onto these ideas, we can carry on their work with real pride. The work those first builders of independence kickedoff.
