On February 13, a city-wide creative conference titled “The Echo of Combat Operations on the Tajik-Afghan Border and in Afghanistan: In Creativity, Memory, and Hearts” was held at Karaganda Industrial University. The event took place during a significant period for the country — between two memorable dates in February that have forever entered the history and destinies of thousands of people.
February is rightfully considered a month of
remembrance and reflection. February 8 is the Day of Remembrance and Sorrow,
when tribute is paid to those who did not return from war while fulfilling
their military and civic duty beyond their homeland. February 15 is the Day of
the Withdrawal of Soviet Troops from Afghanistan, which became a symbol of the
end of one of the most difficult and tragic chapters of the 20th century. The
conference brought these dates together, uniting history, living memory, creativity,
and human destinies.
“We hold such conferences on a regular basis because
we consider the preservation of historical memory and intergenerational
dialogue to be an essential part of our work,” said Vice-Rector for Academic
Affairs Galina Aleksandrovna Sivyakova. “I personally remember the time when
these young men were returning home from service. We were schoolchildren then;
we saw their eyes but did not know what they had gone through, what trials and
losses they had endured. Today, we have the opportunity to hear them personally,
to understand and reflect on that experience. I am convinced that for young
people it is especially important to know the truth about those events in order
to value peace and do everything possible to preserve it.”
The conference, organized jointly with the Temirtau
Youth Resource Center, was attended by distinguished guests: Chairman of the
Karaganda Regional Branch of the Union of Veterans — participants in combat
operations on the Tajik-Afghan border Ayan Nurbolat Zholboldyuly, Chairman of
the Veterans’ Union of Temirtau Kanat Kashkeevich Kuldiabayev, veterans of the
Afghan war Sergey Ivanovich Areshchenko and Asylbek Kaidarovich Akhmediev, as
well as other veterans. Their presence gave the event special significance and
depth. Words of sincere gratitude were addressed to the guests for their
courage, resilience, and willingness to share their life experience with the
younger generation.
“I am convinced that such meetings with young people
are of particular importance,” noted Ayan Nurbolat Zholboldyuly. “The events on
the Tajik-Afghan border and in Afghanistan are not merely pages of history, but
real human destinies, severe trials, and the high price of peace. We must speak
about this openly and honestly so that the younger generation hears the truth
firsthand. It is very important for young people to understand the consequences
of military conflicts and to realize the value of stability and harmony.
Historical memory is necessary to ensure that the tragic events of the past
never happen again.”
The conference program was divided into three
sections. In the first section, participants delivered presentations on the
topic “Participants of Combat Operations in Afghanistan — How It Was,”
revealing historical facts, personal stories, and the destinies of soldiers
within five minutes. The second section was devoted to artistic expression —
poems about the events on the Tajik-Afghan border and in Afghanistan were
recited, filled with the pain of loss, pride, and grateful remembrance. In the
third section, participants performed musical compositions that became an
emotional response to the military theme and strengthened the atmosphere of
unity and respect.
At the conclusion of the conference, the honored
guests were presented with commemorative gifts, and the prize winners received
valuable awards.
Conference Results:
Section 1:
1st place — Sapар Zhaudir Begelykyzy
2nd place — Sherkhan Galymuly Duisenbayev
3rd place — Maria Sergeyevna Zhukova
Section 2:
1st place — Zhasmina Saidullakyzy Turgymbayeva
2nd place — Azamat Teleukhan
3rd place — Pavel Egorovich Patlusov
Section 3:
1st place — Aida Samatkyzy Musayeva; Nurzhas Dumanovich Kupbersinov
2nd place — Ivan Yevgenyevich Shevchenko; Andrey Yevgenyevich Plotnikov
3rd place — Mukhammedali Sabituly Molgajdar
The conference became an important platform for
intergenerational dialogue, preservation of historical truth, and patriotic
education. The memory of those years continues to live not only in archival
documents, but also in people’s hearts, in creative works, and in sincere words
of gratitude to those who endured the trials of war.
Photo Gallery
