PATH TO BRIGHT KNOWLEDGE AND FUTURE PROSPERITY: A COMPREHENSIVE LESSON IS THE ESSENCE OF ALL GOOD BEGINNINGS.
As the golden warmth of autumn begins to whisper through the air, our nation awakens to a moment of profound renewal. Every year, on the first day of autumn, the Day of Knowledge and Student Youth is celebrated in our Motherland. It is on this day that the “first bells” are rung on ceremonial lines in all secondary and all higher educational establishments, which announce the beginning of the new academic year.
Across every corner of our land, young people gather at the threshold of new possibility, carrying dreams waiting to be realized in order to renew their collective promise to the future, honoring the pursuit of wisdom that shapes the destiny of our country.
On this occasion of the Day of Knowledge and Student Youth, our esteemed President sent a congratulatory message to schoolchildren, students, teachers, and all employees of the education system of Turkmenistan. This message was read aloud with great pride and enthusiasm.
Guided by the Head of State's inspiring blessing, our youth set forth on a luminous path of discovery and enlightenment, their hearts alive with hope and purpose. It is a profound and cherished tradition—one that ensures every new academic year in our beloved Motherland always begins with wonderful events, full of dreams, joy, and great confidence.
On September 1st, with the participation of our esteemed President, new building complexes for the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction and the Seyitnazar Seydi Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute were officially opened. These grand events, coinciding with the Day of Knowledge and Student Youth celebrated widely across our country alongside the opening of modern schools and kindergartens, stand as a clear demonstration of successful state policies aimed at developing the national education system in accordance with world best practices and strengthening its material and technical foundation. Furthermore, these events marked the joyful beginning of the 2026–2027 academic year, beautifully upholding a noble national tradition.
It should be noted that on September 2nd, a meaningful comprehensive lesson was held at the "Ruhyyet" Palace in Arkadag city on the occasion of the Day of Knowledge and Student Youth and the beginning of the new academic year. This lesson was dedicated to the peace-loving foreign policy of our country and the sacred duties of young people to their beloved country, society, parents, and family.
Addressing compatriots, teachers, students, and pupils, our Hero Arkadag noted that during the Revival of the New Era of the Powerful State, the Day of Knowledge and Student Youth is widely celebrated across our beloved Motherland. Our Hero Arkadag sincerely congratulated everyone on this occasion and the beginning of the new academic year under the motto “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses,” wishing them sound health and great success in making a worthy contribution to the development of the Motherland.
During the lesson, our Hero Arkadag focused on the concept of patriotism, highlighting the great importance of qualities such as love for the Motherland, respect for the national values, striving for knowledge, and creative labor. Emphasizing that the prophetic dreams of our great poet Magtymguly Pyragy regarding unity and independence have been fully realized today, our Hero Arkadag illustrated how a deep love for the native soil secures the nation’s magnificent destiny.
Speaking on the global standing of our homeland, our Hero Arkadag highlighted the historic achievements of Independent, Permanent Neutral Turkmenistan, the policy of permanent neutrality, and the vital missions entrusted to the younger generation.
As the National Leader of the Turkmen People noted, the permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan is a special historical destiny, a great pride, and an achievement of our brave people. The Neutrality of our independent country was recognized and supported by all member states of the United Nations in 1995—marking a historic first in international relations.
A comprehensive lesson continued with this warmest and profound wisdom, as our Hero Arkadag noted: “I also just said that our Neutrality is the historical destiny of the Turkmen people. This is not a coincidence. Because Neutrality was determined by the entire historical path of our people, it was bequeathed to us by our ancestors. Our thinker and poet Magtymguly Pyragy praised this. He was not only a poet and thinker, but also an excellent diplomat who traveled to many countries. This great person understood that the main thing for the Turkmen is peace, good neighborliness, and friendly relations with all peoples. The essence of our Neutrality is summed up in this,”
Reflecting this broad worldview, Magtymguly’s philosophical and pedagogical views, as well as his ideas about Turkmen life, demonstrate the great poet’s immense contribution to the spiritual and cultural treasury of the world.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people said: “Neutrality for Turkmenistan is a guarantee of peace, internal stability, unity, and solidarity of the people. The effective nature of Turkmen Neutrality is widely supported and recognized in the world.” Our National Leader stated that the core principles of the country's peace-loving foreign policy are based on dialogue, mutual respect, and friendship.
This is further confirmed by the fact that the United Nations General Assembly has supported Turkmenistan’s Neutrality multiple times since 1995, adopting historic resolutions. Its significance is particularly high today, serving as clear evidence that under conditions of profound stability, our country has shown itself to the world as a champion of respectful dialogue and a loyal partner in maintaining peace.
As is known, Neutral Status has become a part of the national self-identification in the world community. Patience, friendliness, commitment to the principles of good neighborliness—all these qualities have always been a part of the Turkmen people. The Neutral Status has wide support in the national public consciousness, and it makes the state much more understandable for the outside world. It proves that Turkmenistan, as a full member of the world community, in its foreign policy, is committed to the principles of permanent positive Neutrality. Our country maintains peaceful and friendly relations with the states of the region and the world community. It proves that the policy of permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan is a reflection of the wise principles, noble values, and humanism of our people, preserved from ancient times. Our peaceful, prosperous country is the main pillar of strengthening peace and mutual understanding with other countries.
Hero Arkadag noted that all necessary conditions are being created for young people to receive a modern education, master new technologies, engage in scientific research, and implement innovative ideas. He emphasized the importance of advancing the "Smart Society" concept in Turkmenistan and expanding international scientific and educational cooperation.
In Turkmenistan, significant efforts are being made to improve the national education system and to train young people with broad horizons, management skills, and the capability to work with innovative technologies. In accordance with the Law of Turkmenistan “On State Youth Policy”, favorable conditions are being created to ensure the rights and freedoms of the younger generation alongside their full participation in the political, economic and cultural life of our state and society. This means the unity, solidity, harmony and cohesion of society, and also promotes the direct participation of young people in the implementation of national programs aimed at achieving high standards and large-scale reforms in the country.
It should be noted that in the lesson, our Hero Arkadag emphasized the historical path of the Turkmen people’s national education system is very ancient and glorious. The first foundations of science, education, culture, and art were laid during the eras of the Jeytun and Anau cultures, the Margush kingdom, Altyndepe, and the Khorezm civilizations. The national education system has evolved over millennia, drawing upon the rich pedagogical traditions of the Parthian Empire, the Ghaznavid and Karakhanid states, the Great Seljuk Empire, the Khorezmshahs, the Garagoýunly and Akgoýunly states, and the historical sultanates in India. Our Hero Arkadag told the youth that as early as the 10th century, the first educational institutions—madrasas—flourished in major Turkmen centers such as Nisa, Merv, Sarakhs, Amul, Dehistan, Gurgench, and Abiverd. In these ancient seats of learning, the highest priority was consistently given to moral integrity, spiritual purity, humanity, hospitality, and the discernment of right from wrong. Our Hero Arkadag also emphasized that the legacy of the Turkmen people’s great figures, scholars, and thinkers serves as an immense spiritual source for the youth. By sharing these valuable examples, special emphasis was drawn during the lesson on studying the national historical heritage, preserving the cultural values of the Turkmen people, and raising the younger generation in the spirit of patriotism.
As the National Leader of the Turkmen people noted that education is our most valuable heritage, and true human happiness depends equally on intellectual depth and moral upbringing. Guided by meaningful proverbs and the ancestral wisdom that intellect is priceless, the state continues to place supreme importance on nurturing a brilliant, well-rounded generation. Characterizing Turkmen youth as the future of the Motherland, our Hero Arkadag expressed confidence that their knowledge, labor and creativity would further elevate the prestige of the country.
At the conclusion of the lecture, the students expressed their deep gratitude for the opportunities provided and wished health and success to the state leaders who pay great attention to modern education for the younger generation. The general lecture was marked as an important event in educating the youth in the spirit of patriotism and developing their appreciation for national values and modern development.
Thus, this comprehensive lesson served as an inspiring call to duty for all of us, uniting together Turkmenistan’s glorious historical roots and its ambitious modern vision. The profound insights shared by our Hero Arkadag left an indelible mark on the hearts of all participants, igniting a renewed passion for the new academic year. As these young people step forward into the new academic year, they carry forward the timeless values of their ancestors to build an even brighter tomorrow for our Independent Motherland.
Our young generation must become a high example of patriotism, morality, and physical and spiritual health. They should be worthy successors of our national principles and represent our country and the Turkmen people honorably around the world. It should be noted that today’s youth are the foundation of our country's future; their education, diligence, and patriotism will determine our success.
In connection with the celebration of the Day of Knowledge and Student Youth in the year of “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses” and this great upcoming holiday marking the 35th anniversary of our Independent Motherland takes on a special significance. Celebrated in harmony across our peaceful nation, this day inspires high moral values and elevates the patriotism of our youth.
Chemen BAYRIYEVA,
Senior lecturer of the Institute of International Relations
of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan