Dear teachers and staff, students!

I sincerely congratulate you on the Independence Day of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This day, which has been a dream of our people for centuries, a day of independence, a free and sovereign country, is a sacred holiday for every citizen of our country.

Independence is a dream come true for all Kazakhstanis. Unforgettable events that brought us to this day - the wars of national defense, national liberation uprisings, the movement of December 1986 - were the inexhaustible spirit of our people. The President as «the source of our independence» described this freedom-loving patriotic tradition, the heroic events of the past. The Kazakh people honored the khan-sultans and heroes, who devoted their lives to the preservation of the unity and peace of the country, as great figures who made an immeasurable contribution to history, and conveyed their immortal spirit as the pride of the nation to this day. The First President - Elbasy Nursultan Nazarbayev - has done a great job in narrating our sovereignty, building and strengthening our statehood.

Today, under the leadership of President K. Tokayev, the Kazakh nation, which has made an incredible leap into history, is working hard to build a strong and rapidly developing modern state. During the years of independence, we have overcome many difficulties and reached today`s potential. Kazakhstan takes its place in the world community. We must continue to strengthen our core values - solidarity and unity, and participate in the implementation of the prudent policy of the head of state.

Today, a new generation is growing up - the young community, breathing in the spirit of independence. Therefore, I urge them to study well, get a quality education, work hard and contribute to the country`s sovereignty.

May our independence be strong and our country live long. I wish you all good health, long life, happiness and joy, peaceful skies.

Sincerely, Acting Chairman of the Board - Rector of

Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University Takir Balykbayev