Address from Rais of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov on the occasion of celebrations of the Mother Tongue Day and 139th birthday of Gabdulla Tukay

On 25 April in his address dedicated to the Mother Tongue Day and 139th birthday of Gabdulla Tukay, the Rais (Head) of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov congratulated residents of the republic with the event and said: 

“From time immemorial native speech carries the great heritage of ancestors and wisdom of the past. Beauty and diversity of the world, deep feelings and eternal values are passed with mother tongue.

Understanding of history of your people, their origin and relationship with other cultures and religions help to preserve spirituality and identity.  The result of continuous work of brain, soul and heart is in numerous works of writers and scientists and reach written heritage of the Tatars.

Creative development of Tukay was influenced by works of many famous Tatar educators such as Kayum Nasyri whose 200th birthday we are celebrating this year and who laid foundations of modern Tatar literary language while Tukay became the founder of modern Tatar literature and the new national poetry. Their contribution is a real symbol of a dialogue of generations and a bright example of the preservation and development of Tatar culture.

Faithfulness to the Motherland is the backbone of unity which remains timeless and is characteristic of every stage of development of Tatar society and this is reflected in lines written by Tukay.”

In conclusion Rustam Minnikhanov wished everyone strong spirit and loyalty to word and deed for the benefit of our multinational Motherland, happiness, good health and prosperity.