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A WEEK IN PROSHIAN
http://asbarez.com/112484/a-week-in-proshian/
Tuesday, August 6th, 2013
Youth Corps group leader Arek Santikian with one of the Proshian
campers on their last day.
BY AREK SANTIKIAN
It is definitely not enough. One week in Proshian is just too short.
It's too short for "Jampar" (camp). It's too short to understand the
value of the village, its people, the fallen heroes that lived there
and their families that continue to do so. Only a mere 15 minutes
outside of Yerevan, but a drastically different place. A week is too
short, but I'm glad I was able to at least have that.
Where do I begin? I didn't know much about Proshian's history before
coming here. Nor did I get a chance to ask, as I soon realized its
significance during the Artsakh liberation movement and thereafter,
is enough history to digest during a short, one-week stay. Proshian
was one of the first villages to send fighters to Artsakh from
Armenia during the early 1990s. It is also home to fallen Artsakh
heroes, including Bedros Ghevondyan, Garod Megerdchian, and
the recently murdered Hrach Mouradian. It continues to be home
for their families, as well as many other freedom fighters, or
"azadamardiks." This reality, in and of itself, makes Proshian a
special place. When embarking on this 6-week program, I knew we would
meet such individuals and their families, but I didn't comprehend the
effect it would have on me. We sing songs about their battles and in
their memory, but shaking the hand of their brothers and fathers,
hugging their children, seeing the house in which they would rest,
evoke an emotion that is indescribable, but I will try to nonetheless.
Beautiful. Inspiring. Motivating. Uplifting.
It was an everyday occurrence, as different people would visit Jampar
throughout the day. Garod's brother and father were regular visitors.
Bedo's relatives opened their home to show us some of his belongings,
including the hat we see him wearing in almost all of his pictures.
Hrach's children participated in our Jampar and his son, Kevork, even
stayed overnight as "bahag" (guard) one night. Everywhere we'd turn
someone was there as proof that their memory and work will continue
to live on for generations.
When surrounded by the families of so many fallen heroes in Proshian,
I can't help but also think of those close to me that left far too
early and without whom I wouldn't be a group leader for AYF Youth
Corps today. Every day, either during Jampar or after, I think about
Sose and Allen constantly. It is difficult not to. During Jampar I am
surrounded by the fruit of their hard work and vision. After Jampar,
I wish I could ask for their advice on certain decisions. We conduct
each day of Jampar in their ever present and contagious spirit. Their
inspiration is present even as I write this blog. I hope they are
proud, but I'm sure I can do better.
This year thus far has been difficult for Proshian. On April 2nd,
the mayor of Proshian, Hrach Mouradian, was murdered in broad daylight.
The assassin(s) are still unpunished. I'm not even sure that someone
has been arrested. Why?! Why him?! An "azadamardik," a proven hero,
someone that willingly put his life on the line for the betterment
of the country, an Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) member,
someone that had been elected mayor 3 times, and was a loved and
respected individual. Why him?! Why, after 4 months, has no one been
punished?! The story reeks of political motives as the election for a
new mayor found the Republican Party, the current president's party,
"victorious." A hero was replaced by a man representing a party
of crooks and thugs. What is most troubling is that there are no
witnesses that have come forward, more than likely out of fear,
to testify. If these thugs won't hesitate to murder a mayor, they
certainly won't hesitate to murder any witnesses.
I wish I had the chance to meet Unger (Comrade) Hrach, as I heard
he was a frequent visitor of Jampar during the prior two years it
was in Proshian. This year, the third year of Jampar in Proshian, we
decided to conduct the one-week camp in his name, to show the village,
those responsible for his death, and those responsible for failing
to punish the murderers, that the youth today, though separated by
thousands of miles, are unified and will always remember Unger Hrach
and what he represents. His death will not be in vain, and I can show
you 180 kids and counselors who agree.
Children at the AYF Youth Corps' Proshian camp
In Proshian, Jampar started Monday with over 100 kids. The next day,
the number grew to 150, the maximum number we can accept. The next day,
even more kids showed up, forcing us to turn them away, undeniably
the worst part about being group leader. We even had kids showing up
on the second to last day, begging to participate.
Nevertheless, we had the fortune to interact with a very special
group of kids. Some stood out more than others. Whether it was
through their exceptional singing, or entertaining personality, we
embraced the opportunity to meet them all. Moreover, the Jampar was
very special for Youth Corps participants because both groups worked
together for a week, and they had a great time doing so. The day was
full of high energy and excitement, which allowed for productive song
practice and competitive games between color groups. The camp concluded
with a memorable song competition, featuring Garod's nieces singing
a song dedicated to their uncle, talented singers displaying their
beautiful voices, and a group performance of "Verkerov Li", dedicated
to Unger Hrach. Typically, song competition makes counselors proud
of their campers as it reflects the hard work they put into teach the
kids songs all week long. This song competition went a step further,
touching all of us, and making the parents and members of the community
and beyond, proud of the village's children.
I can't conclude my thoughts about Jampar in Proshian without
mentioning a vital key to its success, Unger Kevork Parseghian. At
the beginning of the week, he was just the father of my close friend,
Berj. At week's end, he became my Unger. I didn't know much about him,
and he doesn't like to talk about himself much, even though he, too,
fought in the Artsakh war. He is a genuine "Tashnagtsagan" (Federation
member), dedicated to the ideal of humbleness. Despite this, I was able
to pick his brain during our various meetings throughout the day or
during our drives into Yerevan to buy food for camp. At first he told
me I didn't have to go with him, but I insisted, and I'm glad I did. I
learned a lot from Unger Kevork. I not only heard his stories about
battles in Artsakh or the Lebanese civil war (which he also fought in)
but also lessons about life, and in particular, Armenian life. He moved
to Proshian nine years ago, and has somehow remained calm in the face
of many obstacles that have pushed him to the edge of frustration.
Perhaps the most notable memory I will have of him is from one of
our drives into Yerevan at 8:30 in the morning. After pointing out
all of the things wrong with the current state of Armenia, he told me
"Yete hayrenikit mech bidi chi baykaris, baykareluh animasd eh" ("If
you are not willing to fight for your country in your country, then
your fight has no meaning)." At first I didn't understand his point,
because I don't think one has to be in Armenia in order to fight for
its betterment. But eventually, I figured out that's not what he is
saying. What he means is that that the country we want Armenia to
become will not come into being unless we, and all Armenians alike,
create a direct connection to it. And I wholeheartedly agree. We need
to visit Armenia and spend time there, in order to understand it. And
if we are able to, we must live there, not with the expectation that
we are here to fix it, but with the desire to contribute to it. For
generations, including those from Unger Kevork's generation, a free
and independent Armenia was just a dream. We now have a country that
we can call our own, so it is up to us to unequivocally embrace it.
That conversation had my mind racing throughout the whole week. The
needs for Armenia are vast, just like any other country. What this
country needs is leadership that genuinely cares for it; leadership
that values and invests the country's beauty and potential. The
people are thirsty for work. Not just work that will pay the bills,
but work that will allow the country to grow and become something they
can be proud of, something that represents the free and independent
Armenia they have envisioned, and in some cases, died for. The current
leadership is not that. The current leadership is worried about their
personal gain, not that of the country. The current leadership is not
working to find the culprits behind the murder of a village mayor,
an Artsakh war hero. The current leadership doesn't care that roads
are unpaved or full of potholes; or that water doesn't run through
every village/city 24 hours a day; or that prices for gas, water and
electricity have increased by large amounts while wages have stayed
the same. But forget about the current leadership! To hell with them!
Just because they don't care, doesn't mean we shouldn't. They are not
Armenia. They don't control you and me. The 150 tram revolution showed
us the people aren't scared to voice their concerns any longer. The
current leadership's time will eventually come to an end. It is our
duty to continue working until that happens. We have roughly 8 million
people living in the diaspora and 3 million living in Armenia. It
is time for our collective 11 million to not just say that we care,
but to truly show it.
Visit Armenia, it's what Bedo, Garod and Hrach died for...and it's
beautiful.
Live in Armenia, it's what Sose, Allen and Unger Kevork did...and
it's home.
http://asbarez.com/112484/a-week-in-proshian/
Tuesday, August 6th, 2013
Youth Corps group leader Arek Santikian with one of the Proshian
campers on their last day.
BY AREK SANTIKIAN
It is definitely not enough. One week in Proshian is just too short.
It's too short for "Jampar" (camp). It's too short to understand the
value of the village, its people, the fallen heroes that lived there
and their families that continue to do so. Only a mere 15 minutes
outside of Yerevan, but a drastically different place. A week is too
short, but I'm glad I was able to at least have that.
Where do I begin? I didn't know much about Proshian's history before
coming here. Nor did I get a chance to ask, as I soon realized its
significance during the Artsakh liberation movement and thereafter,
is enough history to digest during a short, one-week stay. Proshian
was one of the first villages to send fighters to Artsakh from
Armenia during the early 1990s. It is also home to fallen Artsakh
heroes, including Bedros Ghevondyan, Garod Megerdchian, and
the recently murdered Hrach Mouradian. It continues to be home
for their families, as well as many other freedom fighters, or
"azadamardiks." This reality, in and of itself, makes Proshian a
special place. When embarking on this 6-week program, I knew we would
meet such individuals and their families, but I didn't comprehend the
effect it would have on me. We sing songs about their battles and in
their memory, but shaking the hand of their brothers and fathers,
hugging their children, seeing the house in which they would rest,
evoke an emotion that is indescribable, but I will try to nonetheless.
Beautiful. Inspiring. Motivating. Uplifting.
It was an everyday occurrence, as different people would visit Jampar
throughout the day. Garod's brother and father were regular visitors.
Bedo's relatives opened their home to show us some of his belongings,
including the hat we see him wearing in almost all of his pictures.
Hrach's children participated in our Jampar and his son, Kevork, even
stayed overnight as "bahag" (guard) one night. Everywhere we'd turn
someone was there as proof that their memory and work will continue
to live on for generations.
When surrounded by the families of so many fallen heroes in Proshian,
I can't help but also think of those close to me that left far too
early and without whom I wouldn't be a group leader for AYF Youth
Corps today. Every day, either during Jampar or after, I think about
Sose and Allen constantly. It is difficult not to. During Jampar I am
surrounded by the fruit of their hard work and vision. After Jampar,
I wish I could ask for their advice on certain decisions. We conduct
each day of Jampar in their ever present and contagious spirit. Their
inspiration is present even as I write this blog. I hope they are
proud, but I'm sure I can do better.
This year thus far has been difficult for Proshian. On April 2nd,
the mayor of Proshian, Hrach Mouradian, was murdered in broad daylight.
The assassin(s) are still unpunished. I'm not even sure that someone
has been arrested. Why?! Why him?! An "azadamardik," a proven hero,
someone that willingly put his life on the line for the betterment
of the country, an Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) member,
someone that had been elected mayor 3 times, and was a loved and
respected individual. Why him?! Why, after 4 months, has no one been
punished?! The story reeks of political motives as the election for a
new mayor found the Republican Party, the current president's party,
"victorious." A hero was replaced by a man representing a party
of crooks and thugs. What is most troubling is that there are no
witnesses that have come forward, more than likely out of fear,
to testify. If these thugs won't hesitate to murder a mayor, they
certainly won't hesitate to murder any witnesses.
I wish I had the chance to meet Unger (Comrade) Hrach, as I heard
he was a frequent visitor of Jampar during the prior two years it
was in Proshian. This year, the third year of Jampar in Proshian, we
decided to conduct the one-week camp in his name, to show the village,
those responsible for his death, and those responsible for failing
to punish the murderers, that the youth today, though separated by
thousands of miles, are unified and will always remember Unger Hrach
and what he represents. His death will not be in vain, and I can show
you 180 kids and counselors who agree.
Children at the AYF Youth Corps' Proshian camp
In Proshian, Jampar started Monday with over 100 kids. The next day,
the number grew to 150, the maximum number we can accept. The next day,
even more kids showed up, forcing us to turn them away, undeniably
the worst part about being group leader. We even had kids showing up
on the second to last day, begging to participate.
Nevertheless, we had the fortune to interact with a very special
group of kids. Some stood out more than others. Whether it was
through their exceptional singing, or entertaining personality, we
embraced the opportunity to meet them all. Moreover, the Jampar was
very special for Youth Corps participants because both groups worked
together for a week, and they had a great time doing so. The day was
full of high energy and excitement, which allowed for productive song
practice and competitive games between color groups. The camp concluded
with a memorable song competition, featuring Garod's nieces singing
a song dedicated to their uncle, talented singers displaying their
beautiful voices, and a group performance of "Verkerov Li", dedicated
to Unger Hrach. Typically, song competition makes counselors proud
of their campers as it reflects the hard work they put into teach the
kids songs all week long. This song competition went a step further,
touching all of us, and making the parents and members of the community
and beyond, proud of the village's children.
I can't conclude my thoughts about Jampar in Proshian without
mentioning a vital key to its success, Unger Kevork Parseghian. At
the beginning of the week, he was just the father of my close friend,
Berj. At week's end, he became my Unger. I didn't know much about him,
and he doesn't like to talk about himself much, even though he, too,
fought in the Artsakh war. He is a genuine "Tashnagtsagan" (Federation
member), dedicated to the ideal of humbleness. Despite this, I was able
to pick his brain during our various meetings throughout the day or
during our drives into Yerevan to buy food for camp. At first he told
me I didn't have to go with him, but I insisted, and I'm glad I did. I
learned a lot from Unger Kevork. I not only heard his stories about
battles in Artsakh or the Lebanese civil war (which he also fought in)
but also lessons about life, and in particular, Armenian life. He moved
to Proshian nine years ago, and has somehow remained calm in the face
of many obstacles that have pushed him to the edge of frustration.
Perhaps the most notable memory I will have of him is from one of
our drives into Yerevan at 8:30 in the morning. After pointing out
all of the things wrong with the current state of Armenia, he told me
"Yete hayrenikit mech bidi chi baykaris, baykareluh animasd eh" ("If
you are not willing to fight for your country in your country, then
your fight has no meaning)." At first I didn't understand his point,
because I don't think one has to be in Armenia in order to fight for
its betterment. But eventually, I figured out that's not what he is
saying. What he means is that that the country we want Armenia to
become will not come into being unless we, and all Armenians alike,
create a direct connection to it. And I wholeheartedly agree. We need
to visit Armenia and spend time there, in order to understand it. And
if we are able to, we must live there, not with the expectation that
we are here to fix it, but with the desire to contribute to it. For
generations, including those from Unger Kevork's generation, a free
and independent Armenia was just a dream. We now have a country that
we can call our own, so it is up to us to unequivocally embrace it.
That conversation had my mind racing throughout the whole week. The
needs for Armenia are vast, just like any other country. What this
country needs is leadership that genuinely cares for it; leadership
that values and invests the country's beauty and potential. The
people are thirsty for work. Not just work that will pay the bills,
but work that will allow the country to grow and become something they
can be proud of, something that represents the free and independent
Armenia they have envisioned, and in some cases, died for. The current
leadership is not that. The current leadership is worried about their
personal gain, not that of the country. The current leadership is not
working to find the culprits behind the murder of a village mayor,
an Artsakh war hero. The current leadership doesn't care that roads
are unpaved or full of potholes; or that water doesn't run through
every village/city 24 hours a day; or that prices for gas, water and
electricity have increased by large amounts while wages have stayed
the same. But forget about the current leadership! To hell with them!
Just because they don't care, doesn't mean we shouldn't. They are not
Armenia. They don't control you and me. The 150 tram revolution showed
us the people aren't scared to voice their concerns any longer. The
current leadership's time will eventually come to an end. It is our
duty to continue working until that happens. We have roughly 8 million
people living in the diaspora and 3 million living in Armenia. It
is time for our collective 11 million to not just say that we care,
but to truly show it.
Visit Armenia, it's what Bedo, Garod and Hrach died for...and it's
beautiful.
Live in Armenia, it's what Sose, Allen and Unger Kevork did...and
it's home.