Ruben Vardanyan: Gratitude - the founding notion of Aurora - is a  fundamental human value

ArmInfo. On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, its co-founder, philanthropist and humanitarian Ruben  Vardanyan - who is currently being held illegally in Baku - has shared a message with the Leadership and Friends of Aurora through his wife, Veronika Zonabend.

 The message reads as follows: " Dear friends, supporters, and  colleagues, First and foremost - thank you. Your faith, generosity  and trust have made possible what once seemed impossible.  On the eve  of Aurora's 10th anniversary, I would like to express my personal  gratitude to all the friends and benefactors who believed in the  vision - born in Armenia - of creating a global humanitarian  initiative and who during all that period supported it through their  generosity. It was their dedication that ignited the spark that grew  into the Aurora movement.

When our family first envisioned the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative  and the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity in 2014, we saw it as an  eight-year journey - until 2023 - with the hope that Aurora would  become an international movement with the mission of gratitude in  action and would be carried forward by others. Due to the pandemic,  this phase was extended through 2024, culminating in the unveiling of  the Memorial to Aurora Mardiganian and the Martyrs of the Armenian  Genocide in Yerevan - as a symbol of gratitude and hope, and a  milestone marking the completion of my active participation in  Aurora.  I am deeply grateful to Noubar and Vartan, who supported the  initiative as co-founders from the very beginning. I am especially  thankful to Noubar and his family for taking the lead of Aurora after  2023 and guiding it into its next stage. I hope that, even as it is  now based in the States, it will continue to preserve its Armenian  roots. My sincere thanks go to all Board Members and Selection  Committee Members for your commitment, hard work, and dedication to  Aurora's mission - and for helping to make it truly unique.   Gratitude - the founding notion of Aurora - is a fundamental human  value. Interpreting the thoughts of St.  Francis, I would like to  emphasize that "the truest joy grows from gratitude". Indeed,  gratitude in action remains at the core of a healthy and  compassionate world community.

Being here in Baku, I am more inspired than ever by the Aurora  Laureates and the broader Aurora community, whose tireless efforts to  serve others - without seeking recognition or the limelight - embody  the very spirit of Aurora. You are true heroes, and just as Aurora's  founders always hoped, many would follow your example.  I wish Aurora  continued success as it celebrates its 10th anniversary, with the  deep belief that gratitude in action will endure. With gratitude and  hope, Ruben Vardanyan."