«If you want to foresee the people’s future, have a look at the youngsters », once said Garegin Nzhdeh, the famous Armenian politician.
By Armine Narinyan
Youth people in Armenia are representing 17,5 percent of population, an average comparable to many other European’s countries. But because of the Karabakh’s conflict and the economical crisis, lots of them are going abroad.
Armenia is affected by migration’s issues and the ‘diaspora’ concerns around 8 millions of Armenians living in foreign countries -on a population of 3 millions-. Some though are thinking differently.
Narineh Sarkisian: «I always dreamt about returning to Armenia»
Narineh Sarkisian ©Armine Narinyan
Originally coming from Iran, she came to Yerevan, five years ago. Like many emigrated people, since her childhood, she dreamed about returning to Armenia. She is now working as a designer in a magazine in the armenian capital. «Designers nowadays have a great influence on society. Sometimes, people even do not notice it. But a big billboard in the street, a good advertisement can affect people. » Now that she feels home, she does not even think about living abroad.
Azatuhi Simonyan : « To be Armenian means three important thing : a way of living, a way of thinking and a strong national spirit»
Azatuhi Simonyan ©Armine Narinyan
She has the same age as Armenia and works as a member of the Youth Parliament held by the oppositional party, Armenian Revolutionary Federation. « Certainly, there are both differences and common things between Europe and Armenia. Europe means diversity and Armenia is a part of this diversity. Someone who lives in Germany or in France don’t think the same way as we do, and don’t live same life but all of them consider themselves European ». For her, « to be Armenian means three important thing : a way of living, a way of thinking and a strong national spirit. » She believes that there are « not small and big countries, only strong and weak countries. Here, in Armenia, we have a small territory, a small population but we are big with our national spirit and our understanding ».
Ani Eloyan : «It does not matter who you are, first of all you are a human being»
Young painter, she is studying her MA in Yerevan State University. She paints mostly ‘natures mortes’ and considers nature to be the « teacher of all humanity ». Each things has two sides and painter must « try to show the light side of life to people. » « Beauty will save the world. My mission is to live in Armenia and paint its beautiful sights and leave it to the next generation. » She has never been in Europe and just feels herself Armenian. « European, American, Asian : it does not matter who you are, first of all you are a human being. You must stay human, regardless of everything. »
Ani Eloyan ©Armine Narinyan
eurocaucasusnews.wordpress.com 