A USEFUL PANEL DISCUSSION on EMIGRATION

April 27, 1980 – A USEFUL PANEL DISCUSSION on EMIGRATION The Ladies’ Chapter of the Antelias branch of AGBU conceived the commendable idea of organizing a panel discussion on the phenomenon of emigration. The event took place on Sunday, April 27, 1980, in the Barsamyian Hall of Vahan Tekeyan School.---------- Participating in the panel were well-known intellectuals of our community: Mr. Onnig Sarkissian, Dr. Mihran Simonian, and Mr. Hrant Nakkashian.-------------- The opening address was delivered by the energetic chairwoman of the Ladies’ Chapter, Mrs. S. Nakkashian, who stated that this panel formed part of the April commemorative events, emphasizing that the existence of the Diaspora is a continuation of the “white massacre” that followed the Armenian Genocide. She also referred to the work carried out by AGBU in support of national consolidation and nation-building.--------------- The discussion was moderated by Mrs. A. Ghazarian, a member of the Ladies’ Committee. The artistic segment featured Miss Taline Batouzean with a recitation and Mr. Levon Khanjian with a solo vocal performance.--------------- Before the start of the discussion, Mrs. A. Ghazarian briefly introduced the participating intellectuals.------------ Responding to questions addressed to him, Mr. Onnig Sarkissian enumerated the principal reasons that prompt people to migrate from one country to another. He remarked that it is easier for us to ask where we have not migrated, since one can encounter an Armenian even in the most remote corner of the world. Mr. Sarkissian stated that in all communities where we are unable to compete with the local culture through our own culture, we are sooner or later condemned to assimilation. -------------- In communities closer to Armenia, however, we can endure longer, because we receive spiritual nourishment from the motherland.----------- Answering the question, “To what extent are the sums spent in the United States for the purpose of Armenian preservation justified?”, he said that this depends on the mindset, sound judgment, and nation-building vision of our leaders in the given country. When people are ready to support national causes both morally and materially, the community survives for a long time. However, he added, ultimately all communities are condemned to decline when they lack national consciousness, language, and culture. Many other nations have long disappeared from the stage of history, but we still exist. We must endure—and we shall endure.------------- Dr. Mihran Simonian, responding to the question “What is AGBU’s position regarding emigration?”, stated that since its founding, AGBU has been an advocate of national gathering and living together.----------- Through its positive work, AGBU has rendered great national service and, whenever the opportunity arose, encouraged repatriation to the motherland with all its means. Through its vast educational efforts, its network of schools, and its diverse cultural activities,--------------- AGBU stands at the forefront of the struggle for Armenian preservation.-----------Speaking about the Lebanese-Armenian community, Dr. Simonian said that Lebanon constitutes the central artery of all communities.----------- Since the peoples of the East themselves suffered under Ottoman rule, they are more receptive to hearing about our cause. Here we are closer to our occupied lands and very close to our motherland, which made its voice powerfully heard after the shocking events of the previous year.----------- Ultimately, Lebanon—and the Lebanese-Armenian community—remains the center for the comprehensive pursuit of the Armenian territorial cause.------------ Mr. Hayg Nakkashian, answering the questions directed to him, listed our diaspora centers, presented their internal organizational life, and emphasized the importance of our educational institutions, the Church, political organizations, and especially AGBU within our communities.------------- He urged steadfast attachment to Lebanon, striving to preserve our national existence at all costs until we reclaim our territorial rights.---------- Diaspora Armenians, he stressed, are the legitimate claimants of the Armenian territorial cause.----------- When there is nothing left for us to do in the Diaspora, we must gather around the motherland—the sole instrument of the salvation of the Armenian people.------------ Following the exchange of views, Dr. Hampartsoum koumrouian, a member of AGBU’s Educational Committee, was invited to the stage. In his closing remarks, he emphasized the crucial importance of the mother language—Armenian in the work of national preservation 47H 1980 04 28