On Tuesday, the 23rd of April 2024, Haigazian University commemorated the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, an event organized by the University’s Heritage Club, with Guest Speaker Dr. Arda Ekmekji, Former Dean of Arts & Sciences and currently Professor in Intercultural Studies at the University.
As per the tradition, this solemn event started with students, faculty, staff, and friends walking through the aisle of the Mugar garden, placing white flowers under the “Forget Me Not” flower monument, followed by a moment of silence in respect of the 1.5 million genocide martyrs.
After the opening speech of Club Member Avedis Abakelian, a rich, yet very touchy cultural program was presented to the audience: Alyag Momjian eloquently recited a poem entitled “Yeratsayn Badarak” by Baruyr Sevag; Arman Der Bedrossian sang “Adanayi Godoradz”, accompanied by Hasmig Aintablian on flute, and Alex Dabaghian on guitar; while for her part Lory Gulumian gracefully sang a song entitled “Abrelou Abril”.
The ceremony ended with the insightful speech of Dr. Arda Ekmekji. In her poignant remarks, in addition to stating historical facts pertaining to the Armenian Genocide, Ekmekji mainly tackled the issue of denied genocides, repeated genocides, international public opinion, and human rights. Ekmekji also shared snippets from the memoirs of her grandfather Hagop Arsenian, a genocide survivor, from the book “Towards Golgotha” compiled and annotated by her and published by the Haigazian University Press.
Mira Yardemian
Public Relation Director