At the Samarkand State University, on the initiative of the khokim of the Samarkand region Erkinjon Turdimov, an award ceremony was held for the readers who defended the honor of the region, and Markhabo Makhkamtosheva, a student of the Samarkand State University, who participated in the republican stage of the contest "Yosh kitobхon (Young reader)".

      Rector of Samarkand State University, scientist of the Republic of Uzbekistan, member of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis Rustam Khalmuradov opened the event with an introductory speech and warmly congratulated the winner.

    - One of the historical centers of world civilization, the ancient and always popular Samarkand, bearing the name of the shining face of the earth, is considered one of the major economic, scientific and cultural centers of Uzbekistan, - says the rector of SamSU Rustam Khalmuradov. - At Samarkand State University, which has a long history of training scientists and intellectuals, a generation is growing up today, which is the hope of our tomorrow. In particular, the philological faculty of the university occupies a high place in the field of literature and reading. Recently, on the initiative of our esteemed President, great importance has been attached to supporting the activities of promising and educated youth. The Yosh Kitobkhon (Young Reader) competition, which is traditionally held every year, is a unique practical expression of this initiative. Especially in recent years, the interest in books and reading among young people is growing every year thanks to this competition, which is becoming more and more popular. It is gratifying that at the republican stage of the competition in the age category of 15-19 years, a student of our university, Markhabo Makhkamtosheva, defended the honor of our region and Samarkand State University and won an absolute victory. The car "Spark" became a presidential gift.

    “It would not be an exaggeration to say that the competition of young readers is a field of enlightenment, a special test for those with high knowledge,” says Markhabo Makhkamtosheva, a student of the philological faculty of Samarkand State University. This has been my dream for many years. Today my dream came true. I achieved my goal with my tireless work and efforts, as well as the support of my teachers. For this, I want to express my sincere gratitude to my mentors, who have always been there and supported me in every possible way, the dean of the philological faculty of SamSU, Professor Azamat Pardaev, Doctor of Philology, and my supervisor Azmiddin Nosirov, Doctor of Philology. Today's award ceremony was very special for me. I am grateful to everyone who visited us and shared our joy. I want to express my sincere gratitude to the khokim of the Samarkand region Erkinjon Turdimov and the rector of the Samarkand State University Rustam Khalmuradov, who organized such a solemn ceremony.

    Today, people's culture is measured by their interest in books and their level of reading. The Yosh Kitobхon (Young Reader) competition, which is becoming increasingly popular among book lovers, brings together millions of young people to achieve noble goals based on the principle of love for the book.

Iroda BEKMURODOVA,
an employee of the information service of
Samarkand State University.
The photographs were taken by Shavkat AKRAMOV.