Hayern Aysor presents Agos Weekly’s interview with businessman and benefactor, founder of IDeA Charitable Foundation, the “100 Lives” project and Dilijan Art Initiative Ruben Vardanyan, who was recently in Istanbul.

Agos: Who is Ruben Vardanyan outside of the media?

Ruben Vardanyan: I am an average, ordinary person. Like everyone, I also have an inner guiding force that I refer to as a “nuclear reactor”. That force is more powerful in some people and is weak in other people. It will be hard to break the walls around you, change the world and achieve great heights without that force. It is very important for each person to find what makes him or her happy. What has mainly guided me has been to make the impossible possible, and my main objective is to make people trust each other and help them understand each other better. I do this with different methods, that is, by creating platforms for communication through social, commercial and charitable programs and conferences. Therefore, even though all my programs seem different, the goal is the same, and that is to change the world and the space around me and try to convince myself and others that the impossible is possible and that it is all up to you.

Agos: What made you decide to establish the international school in Dilijan?

R. V.: My wife and I started thinking about the project when we were seeking opportunities for our children’s education in 2006. We visited over 20 schools worldwide and studied their experiences. This is how we came up with the idea of establishing an international school in Dilijan. When Veronica submitted an application to the International Bachelor’s Organization, she was told that our ideas and mission statement were almost completely in line with the ideas and mission statement of the United World Colleges (UWC). There is also something else that was our luck. Deputy Director of Finance for the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Manfred Shepers, who is currently one of the trustees and members of the board of directors of our school, is a graduate of the United World Colleges and a member of the board. During the meeting, he told me about the system and the benefits that this school would bring to Russia and post-Soviet regions. In 2013, our school joined the UWC and became an international school starting from the first year. We enrolled 96 children from 48 countries. This year, there are students from 64 countries.

Agos: You support the works of Armenian artists showcased at the Biennale in Istanbul. Could you tell us more about these works and the art initiative in Dilijan?

R. V.: I would like to mention that the Armenian program of the 14^th Biennale in Istanbul includes the works of non-Armenians who have dedicated their works to the Armenian Genocide. As I already mentioned, the programs that I have carried out with partners are various mechanisms for meeting one objective. The art project in Dilijan is also aimed at bringing people together. This is a non-profit program aimed at laying the foundation for the development of Armenia and Armenia as a whole. The goal of the program is to promote Armenian culture around the world and help present the works of Diaspora Armenian artists at the top international exhibitions and cultural events.

Agos: Would you like to support the works and industries of Turkish artists and institutions that are devoted to Armenians and Armenian culture and history?

R. V.: Yes, of course! This is a special year, and for us Armenians it is important to see the topic of the Armenian Genocide reflected at the Biennale in Istanbul.

Agos: What are your observations of the visit to Istanbul? What amazed you and what disappointed you?

R. V.: This is my first visit to Istanbul, and I really liked it. What was especially interesting was listening to the young volunteers and guides working with us during the Biennale. I was impressed by the looks on their faces and their open mindsets. I didn’t like the large amount of pollution in the city.

Agos: How as the idea of the “100 Lives” project born? How will talking about those who saved people during the Armenian Genocide and the survivors contribute to restoration?

R. V.: As you know, the project “was born” from my family’s story. The main message that I wanted to convey was that we Armenians are grateful to people and organizations who helped save the Armenians 100 years ago. In spite of all attempts to annihilate the Armenians, we are alive, have achieved success and have made many contributions to the world in different spheres.

Agos: Your grandfather was one of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide. Did he share his story with you? What kind of impact did that story have on your life?

R. V.: My grandfather wouldn’t talk a lot about what he had experienced. He grew up in a shelter and didn’t like to recall and talk about that. I learned about his life story not from him, but from friends and relatives. At a certain stage in my life, I understood that somebody had helped save my grandfather, and that made me want to help people.

Agos: I have read that you and your son have climbed to the top of Mount Ararat. How did you feel on the land of your forefathers?

R. V.: I must say it was hard to climb to the top of the mountain due to my weight, not to mention the snow. But I am happy that we managed to overcome all the challenges. I had promised my grandfather once that I would climb to the top of Ararat, and it was very important for me to keep my word.

Agos: What are your observations about the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide in Turkey and the Diaspora and how do you feel? Do you notice any changes in people talking more openly about the Armenian Genocide in Turkey?

R. V.: I think it is very important for the Turkish society to acknowledge the past. Talking about the Genocide doesn’t mean discussing the relations between the Turks and the Armenians. It is a necessity so that the Turkish society answers the questions regarding the past.

Hayern Aysor: What is your approach to reconciliation? How can art play a role in the reconciliation and the confrontation with the past?

R. V.: Art has a unique force that brings people of different cultures, age groups and different spheres together since it is universal. Art can lay the foundation for an examination of the “diseases” of history and politics with a creative approach. What’s more, it is one of the ways of teaching, and modern art has a tremendous potential to educate. Education is a powerful tool for shaping the future. The art project in Dilijan embodies all the elements-interpersonal and intercultural relations and education.

Agos: As a businessman and a representative of the business world today, how important is it for you to have a heritage and bear the burden of history on your shoulders on the one hand and make investments for the future of mankind by promoting the arts and universal culture on the other hand?

R. V.: I think we need to have the past as our basis and focus on the future.

Agos: In Armenia you have carried out projects like Tatev Rebirth Project and UWC Dilijan. How would you assess the current and future socio-economic situation in Armenia?

R. V.: I believe Armenia has a bright future.

Agos: Do you have future programs, projects and dreams for the future?

R. V.: It is very important to not only dream, but also make those dreams come true. We need to carry out the programs that have already been initiated, but we need to keep dreaming.

Agos: What advice would you give the youth?

R. V.: Believe in yourself!