Presidency hosts 2017 State Prize Awards ceremony

The Presidency hosted today a ceremonious event to hand in the 2017 State Awards, conferred upon in accordance with the presidential decree.

Under a decree signed by President Serzh Sargsyan, State Prizes were awarded in a number of spheres, based on the Decree of the President of the Republic of Armenia “On procedure for establishing and awarding State prizes of the Republic of Armenia” and taking into account the State Prize Committee’s proposals.

To appreciate the best artistic and scientific works, as well as to encourage their authors, RA State Prizes for 2017 were awarded in the spheres of literature and art, architecture and urban development, natural sciences and humanities.

Accordingly, in the field of literature and journalism, music and cinema, State Prizes were awarded to Gurgen Khanjyan for the book “Give your hand, baby” (literature and journalism); Edward Hayrapetyan for “Concerto for piano and symphony orchestra” (music); Mher Mkrtchyan (film director), Vahagn Hakobyan (cameraman / stage-manager), Samvel Tadevosyan (actor), Ruben Jaghinyan (producer) and Karen Ghazaryan (producer) for “Life and Fight” fiction film (in two parts).

Architects Sargis Sardaryan, Ruzanna Mamyan, Levon Aznauryan (posthumously) and Suren Hakobyan (builder) were awarded State Prize in the sphere of architecture and urban development for the complex of a medical center built in Vanadzor.

In the field of natural sciences and humanities, the State Prize was awarded to Hamlet Avetisyan for his work titled “Relativistic Nonlinear Electrodynamics: Quantum Electro-Dynamic Vacuum and Matter in Heavy Duty Radiation Fields.”

During the ceremony, the selection panel chairmen introduced the award-winning works, the discussions that led up to their decisions. No State awards were granted in the fields of fine arts, theatrical art, as well as in the field of humanities and social sciences. The chairmen of the relevant panels advised that the works nominated in the aforementioned areas had not won the necessary amount of votes during the secret ballot.

After handing in the State awards, the President of Armenia addressed the winners with congratulatory remarks.

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Congratulatory Address by President Serzh Sargsyan delivered at the State Awards Ceremony

Dear Laureates and Guests,

Today, I have a pleasing duty to fulfill. We are presenting State prizes to artists and scholars, our laureates who authored outstanding works during the past two or three years.

I have always emphasized that these awards are first of all the property of the public. In this way, we are trying to propose guidelines and standards to society in a bid to call attention on truly worthy creations.

I cordially congratulate our laureates on the receipt of the State Prize of the Republic of Armenia.

Yes, these awards are the token of appreciation by the State and society. I believe that they are important for any human being, especially artists and scientists, to whom success has come through years-long hard work.

We understand that good deeds do not come easy in this world. Thank you for your dedication and great work.

I regret that this year we did not have awards in some categories. I hope that over the next couple of years we will have such works that will undoubtedly be worthy of State prize. At least, I can see that we need to do some work, analyze the impediments to the development of one or another sphere.

Let my word be a stimulus for the Ministers of Culture, Science and Education to examine the problems in these areas together. And, of course, we will consider most carefully the recommendations voiced by the heads of selection committees.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Indeed, we know that there is no civilized nation without art and science. We also know that we boast centuries-old and rich literature, art and science. But the present day and the citizen of Armenia is what matters most for us now. As much important is the creative atmosphere in Armenia. The environment can promote or undermine new success stories, and why not, prevent new masterpieces from emerging. Therefore, we should spare no effort and energy to positively influence the overall environment.

I once again congratulate our laureates on receiving State Prizes. I wish you good health, happiness in your personal life and inexhaustible energy on the way to translating your honest aspirations and noble ideas into reality.

Thank you.