President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov congratulated the Tatarstan people on their Mother Tongue Day and the 134th birthday of Gabdulla Tukay

Dear Tatarstan people!                         

Dear compatriots!

With all my heart I congratulate you on the Day of your native language!

This wonderful holiday, dedicated to the birthday of the great son of the Tatar people - the sun of the national poetry of Gabdulla Tukay, is invariably celebrated in Tatarstan and everywhere where our fellow tribesmen live, with special solemnity, enormous creative inspiration and sincere respect for the ancient culture and glorious traditions of the ancestors.

The native language - “father and mother’s language” - is that which has been given to us from birth,  which unites us, makes us one family, one people. In it, as in a mighty full-flowing river, the wisdom of centuries and modern motives merge together, with  help of our native language we comprehend the world around us, filling our life with special meanings. The Great Tukai saw life-giving power in his native language: “I will never let my soul grow old, it will remain strong and young. As long as the fire of verse lives in my chest, I am fit for struggle, I am stronger than old age. "

And today, in the difficult conditions of anti-epidemic restrictions and the fight against coronavirus, we follow the instructions by Tukai, who, inspired by folk wisdom, wrote: “... You’re at least in  water, at least drown in milk, Be patient, persistent, and dare - do not give way in despair! ".

The native language is the cultural code of the nation, which gives us the strength to live, create, create, carefully preserve and transmit to the descendants invaluable spiritual wealth. Our common goal has always been and remains - to protect and develop it. Today, joint efforts of state bodies, creative unions, religious organizations and public associations are aimed at this.

I am convinced that the holiday will further contribute to solving the problems of supporting and popularizing the native languages ​​and cultures of representatives of peoples living in multinational Tatarstan. I sincerely thank everyone who carries out such a noble mission, especially teachers, scientists, culture, art, social activists and enthusiasts!

I wish you happiness, peace, kindness and prosperity, dear Tatarstan people!

President of the Republic of Tatarstan

R.N. Minnikhanov