Tokayev congratulates Kazakhstanis on Abai Day

Tengrinews.kz — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has congratulated Kazakhstanis on Abai Day.

“Dear compatriots! I sincerely congratulate you on Abai Day!

The creative and intellectual legacy of the great thinker holds a special place in the treasury of both world and Kazakh culture. His teachings serve as a moral compass and a guide for our people. He spoke openly about society’s problems and warned against idleness and laziness.

Abai introduced the idea of ‘Tolyk Adam’ — a profoundly meaningful and timeless concept of the ‘whole person,’ in other words, a path toward self-improvement and spiritual growth.

This year, we are celebrating Abai Day amid a large-scale transformation of the state and society. Kazakhstan’s People’s Constitution has entered into force, and the process of renewing all institutions of government has begun.

This is a truly historic period that is laying the foundation for the country’s development for many years to come. This month, the first Kurultai elections in our history will take place. A unicameral Parliament will give new momentum and quality to our reforms. The essence of these transformations is to provide a powerful impetus to Kazakhstan’s progress and strengthen constructive values in society.

When it comes to shaping a new public ethic, strengthening national identity and promoting humanistic ideals, we consistently turn to Abai’s legacy.

The great poet and philosopher saw the future of the nation in the pursuit of knowledge, hard work and responsibility, and prophetically called for unity and harmony. His ‘Words of Edification’ remain an inexhaustible source that nourishes the entire system of values of modern Kazakhstan. The conceptual ideas of ‘Adal Azamat,’ ‘Taza Kazakhstan,’ and ‘Law and Order’ form the foundation of the harmonious society Abai dreamed of.

Today, we are building a Just, Strong and Progressive Kazakhstan. I am convinced that the legacy of the great thinker will continue to foster genuine patriotism and love for our Motherland. I wish you all good health, prosperity and new achievements!” the President said in his congratulatory message.

Kazakhstanis celebrate Abai Day on August 10. This year marks the 181st anniversary of the birth of Abai Kunanbaev, the founder of Kazakh written literature, a great poet, educator and composer.

The great Kazakh poet and educator was born in 1845 in the Semipalatinsk Region, now the Abai Region. Abai’s work and legacy remain a symbol of national identity to this day.

Abai Kunanbaev became the first Kazakh poet to bring Eastern and Western cultures together. Kazakhstanis still read his translations of works by Pushkin, Lermontov, Byron and Goethe.