Tokayev congratulates Kazakhstanis on 100th birth anniversary of writer Berdibek Sokpakbayev
A monument of eminent classic of Kazakh children’s literature Berdibek Sokpakbayev has been unveiled to celebrate the writer’s 100th birth anniversary in Narynkol village, Almaty region. Attending the event was Speaker of the Kazakh Senate Maulen Ashimbayev, Kazinform News Agency cites the press service of the upper chamber of the Kazakh parliament.
In a congratulatory letter of Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, read out by Maulen Ashimbayev, the Kazakh leader highlighted that Berdibek Sokpakbayev was an outstanding writer, who made an invaluable contribution to the development of children’s literature. His immortal works such as 'The Trip to the Childhood', 'My name is Kozha', 'The Battle' are enlisted in the treasure of domestic literature. By revealing the subtleties of human psychology and vivid inner world of the Kazakh people, the writer skillfully created the images of his heroes, that are loved by readers. More than one generation have grown on the works of the Kazakh writer.
The unique literary heritage of Berdibek Sokpakbayev left a bright trace in Kazakh literature. Our sacred duty is to honor the name of the prominent writer and promote his works. Inclusion of the 100th anniversary of the Kazakh writer to the UNESCO Calendar of memorable dates and the installment of the monument in his small homeland demonstrate the high respect for the master of word. The world has few monuments depicting the author of the work and his character. The sculpture of the boy named Kozha in the center of Astana also reflects the great impact of the work of Berdibek Sokpakbayev on the worldview of our nation, reads the Kazakh President’s letter.
In his speech, Ashimbayev pointed out that Almaty region has long been known and is proud of its talented sons such as Mukagali Makatayev and Raiymbek batyr. The name of Berdibek Sokpakbayev is written in gold letters in the history. In this regard, Senate Speaker Ashimbayev stressed the importance of studying and promoting the legacy of eminent persons, that are the nation’s wealth and through the talent of which the spiritual potential of the nation is manifested.
The Senate Speaker also pointed out that the works of the popularly beloved writer, filled with sincerity and kindness, have influenced on not only the children of Kazakhstan but the entire world and will remain in the hearts and memories of readers of upcoming generations. So, Berdibek Sokpakbayev’s book 'My name is Kozha' was translated into 68 languages and the film based on the book was awarded a diploma at the International Children’s and Youth Film Festival in Cannes.
In addition, the Senate Speaker highlighted the great role of literature, art and creative industry in forming a right system of values among the youth, the Head of State repeatedly spoke about.
On the same day, Ashimbayev also toured the literary memorial museum of Mukagali Makatayev, attended the opening of an art school in Karasaz village, as well as visited the children’s rehabilitation center Kamkorlyk in Kegen village.
The Senate Speaker also took part in the campaign initiated by President Tokayev ‘100 books for rural libraries,’ handing over books written by Kazakh literature classics and foreign writers to students of Kostobe village, which is the birthplace of Berdibek Sokpakbayev.
