GENERATIONAL CONTINUITY: A Meaningful Meeting Steeped in History

A creative and insightful meeting was held between students and writer Qaysar Alim — Honored Worker of Kazakhstan, laureate of the Presidential Award of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the International "Alash" Literary Prize — at the sacred halls of the Faculty of Journalism at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.

During the event, poet and laureate of the “Daryn” State Youth Prize of Kazakhstan Bauyrzhan Alikozha, along with the Dean of the Faculty of Journalism Kanat Auesbai, officially launched two of the writer’s recent works: the novel “Six Days Awaiting Execution” and the biographical book “Mirzhakyp Dulatuly: A Life Story.”

The novel “Six Days Awaiting Execution” provides an in-depth portrayal of Seidazim Kadyrbaev — candidate for membership in the Alash Orda Government’s National Council, one of the authors of the first Constitution of the Kazakh Autonomy, and a passionate organizer of the struggle for independence. The book highlights his intellectual contribution and courageous actions in implementing the ideals of Alash. With its rich literary language, solid narrative structure, and events drawn not from imagination but from real life, the novel is bound to touch the hearts of its readers.

The biographical work “Mirzhakyp Dulatuly: A Life Story” is the result of Qaysar Alim’s tireless research and dedication to portraying the life of Mirzhakyp Dulatuly — a prominent figure of the Alash movement, writer, poet, playwright, and key representative of Kazakh literature and culture. In this year of Dulatuly’s 140th anniversary, celebrated nationwide, the story behind the creation of this book holds special significance.

In September 1992, Qaysar Alim was part of a special expedition formed from the former Torgai region that exhumed Mirzhakyp Dulatuly’s remains from a grave near Sosnovets station in the Karelian ASSR and reburied them in his homeland after 57 years. Deeply moved by this historic moment in the life of an independent Kazakhstan, the author intertwined the emotional experience with Dulatuly’s life story in a compelling travel memoir. The book captures both the intellectual and creative journey of the Alash figure, as well as his unyielding struggle for the freedom of the Kazakh people, blending informative and artistic elements.

After the detailed discussion and presentation of the two works, Qaysar Alim presented copies of his newly released books and special scholarships to the university’s top-performing and socially active journalism students.

At the end of the event, which symbolized the continuity between generations, the eloquent journalist and thoughtful writer Qaysar Alim encouraged each student present to pursue knowledge, creativity, hard work, honesty, and integrity — and gave them his heartfelt blessing and wishes for success:

“I look up to today’s youth. They are curious and open to innovation. Their courage, authenticity, and ability to think freely — along with their drive toward high ideals — inspire everyone around them. Wishing you all the best, dear ones,” he said.

Such spiritual and intellectual gatherings, where tradition meets modernity, are a vivid embodiment of generational continuity. The elder’s wise advice and heartfelt recollections from the past serve as an invaluable school of life for every young person taking their first steps into the world of journalism.