She noted that the writings of the competition winners clearly reflect their knowledge. We are living in an era filled with contradictions, remarked Vice President Iliana Yotova during the award ceremony for participants in the Third National Student Competition, “My Family Roots from Macedonia and Edirne Thrace,” held today at the Rectorate of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski.”
You may often encounter views suggesting that concepts like patriotism, collective memory, and family heritage are no longer relevant in today's world. In our high-tech, global society, some argue that it is more beneficial to identify as citizens of the world. Recently, during our significant celebration on May 24—honoring our letters, education, and culture—I heard opinions claiming that the Cyrillic alphabet, which we cherish, holds us back rather than propelling us forward. Notably, these remarks came from individuals who consider themselves influencers of public opinion. Reading such statements gave me chills. It reinforced my belief in the importance of competitions like these, as they serve as a powerful counter to such assertions, Yotova remarked.
She emphasized that the writings of the competition winners reflect a wealth of knowledge, information, and archival material, while also showcasing memory, self-confidence, stability, and patriotism.
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"If you, the authors of these texts, had the chance to stand beside me, each of you would likely be able to name at least ten more words like these. You wouldn't be mistaken, and you would leave an ellipsis, as the possibilities for addition are endless," she remarked.
"I have read exceptionally mature essays. Beyond the facts, these texts are rich with imagery, emotion, depth, and heart," the vice president stated. She commended the competition participants for their hard work and dedication in studying historical documents, photographs, and family traditions.
This reflects a tremendous amount of effort and highlights the significant contributions of your teachers and parents. It is evident that someone skillfully guided this flow of information, focusing on the essentials while avoiding unnecessary details, allowing the most important aspects to shine through. What stands out the most is the pride captured in your writing, which is truly captivating and deeply moving, she remarked.
Yotova expressed her concern that there is limited awareness of the tragic events following the Liberation, the impact of the treaties Bulgaria signed, and the subsequent developments. She believes that the strength of this competition lies in the topic you chose, the diligent search through archives, and the insights shared by the children, all of which help to enrich this narrative.
Research and investigative work hold immense value, particularly in fostering a love for ancestral memory and honoring the connections between families and their forebears. The vice president emphasized that this understanding can provide deep insights into the mentality and lifestyle of Bulgarians from that era.
"Thank you, dear young people, for expressing yourselves in such a beautiful and captivating Bulgarian language. Your writing is rich, demonstrating a profound knowledge of the language, with elegant phrases and well-formed thoughts. It is truly fascinating. Always remember your roots; this awareness is essential for navigating today’s world and finding your rightful, stable, and secure place within the larger picture," stated Iliana Yotova.
The third national student competition, titled “My Family Roots from Macedonia and Edirne Thrace,” is organized by the Bulgarian Association of Families from Macedonia in collaboration with the Faculty of History at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” and the Macedonian Scientific Institute. This event sees participation from numerous students across Bulgaria, with support from the Ministry of Education and Science. Participants research and share unique family stories that highlight the lives of Bulgarians in Macedonia and Adrian Thrace, focusing on their migration and adaptation within Bulgaria. The competition showcases the patriotism of the people from these regions and their contributions to the Bulgarian nation during significant historical events, including the Bulgarian National Revival, the Ilinden-Preobrazhenie Uprising, and the wars for national unification. Winners are chosen by a panel of experts.
