Most of the Armenians scattered across the globe are involved in pro-national activities aimed at preserving the Armenian identity within their respective communities, and the responses to those activities are always in the focus of the Ministry of Diaspora of the Republic of Armenia and are praised by the Minister. With their activities, Armenians abroad also manage to help Armenia and Artsakh, but not everyone speaks out about their actions. This and other issues were the issues that I discussed with the wonderful Hanriet Andreasian from Australia. Hanriet Andreasian was recently hosted at the RA Ministry of Diaspora and gave an interview to Hayern Aysor.

Karine Avagyan: Mrs. Hanriet, I noticed that you are Iranian-Armenian after hearing your accent. Which city of Iran were you born in? Where were your raised? How did you find yourself on the Green continent?

Hanriet Andreasian: Yes, you are right. I was born to the family of Soghomon and Ovsanna Gorginian in the city of Masjid Suleyman of southern Iran where we lived for nearly 12 years. I went to an Armenian daily school in Masjid Suleyman, after which my family and I moved to the city of Ahvaz, which is close to the border with Iraq. I lived there for nearly 23 years, after which my husband, Hayrik Andreasian moved to Australia. Next year I will have lived in Australia for 30 years.

Karine Avagyan: What was the main reason for your move to Australia? Why didn’t your family come to Armenia, the Homeland? Have you and your family discussed this matter?

Hanriet Andreasian: Frankly, we have not discussed that because it was not too generalized at the time. Unfortunately, we didn’t consider that at all. We built our future in Australia where we had relatives. My grandparents and sister-in-law were living there. We had a son and two daughters who were raised in an Armenian family with national values and attended an Armenian daily school. I am an expert in marketing and management. My husband is an electrician/technologist and has advanced a lot in his career. We started our family business about 23 years ago. My husband is one of the experts providing high-voltage electricity in Sydney. Our children also help us do our business.

Karine Avagyan: Mrs. Hanriet, I watched your beautiful dance. You are the vice-chairperson of the “Sassoon” Chapter of Hamazkayin Australia and coordinate the dance group’s events with Harmig Hagopian and under the leadership of the board. You are also closely linked to the Chapter’s well-known Sydney Dance Company. Are you also a member of that dance company?

Hanriet Andreasian: I have loved dancing since childhood. During my years in Iran, I have performed with small dance groups in various cities, but I stopped dancing after that. However, I have always had a love for dance deep down inside. I was married and had three children, and raising and educating them is a great art. In addition, I am very busy with Hamazkayin and am in charge of providing the dance group with all the costumes for the dancers to perform. My three children are members of the dance group. My son is an excellent dancer, and my daughters also dance well.

Karine Avagyan: How often do you visit Armenia and on what occasions?

Hanriet Andreasian: This is my sixth visit to Armenia. My first visit was with my family so that my children could see and feel the Homeland. After that, I have visited the Homeland for weddings and on other occasions. In 2008, I came to Armenia with the members of the Sydney Dance Company. In July 2016, at the invitation of the RA Ministry of Diaspora, I came to Armenia and participated in the teacher training courses that were part of the Ministry’s “Diaspora” Summer School Program. I have been treated well and cordially by the Ministry. I would also like to express my infinite gratitude to Yerevan State University. Our nation is really a good nation!

Karine Avagyan: Do you sometimes visit your hometown? What have you left there?

Hanriet Andreasian: Of course! I have visited my hometown during every visit to Armenia. There are precious tombstones there. I have also taken my children to pay tribute to all of our relatives. It is one of the major parts of our discipline and traditions. I have left my friends and acquaintances and my sweetest years-the dreams of my childhood and teenage years.

Karine Avagyan: Mrs. Hanriet, what is the purpose of this visit?

Hanriet Andreasian: I am currently here as a participant of the initial 12-week long-distance Armenian History Courses offered by Yerevan State University. I am taking those courses with great pleasure. I really needed the courses and attach great importance to the knowledge that I have received from the representatives of the Institute for Armenian Studies at Yerevan State University. I am very honored since I have been appointed the Advisor to the RA Minister of Diaspora in Australia.

Karine Avagyan: During our interview, you said that you have your own business in Sydney and that your husband supports and sponsors you as you carry out all your activities and pro-national initiatives. You are probably aware that, in October 2016, the RA Ministry of Diaspora launched the powerful “What are YOU doing for Karabakh?” pan-Armenian movement, which sparked great reactions from several Diaspora Armenians. Have you joined that movement?

Hanriet Andreasian: I wouldn’t like to talk about the work that has been done because God sees all the good deeds of a person, and one should try not to talk about it too much. I must say that I admire the unprecedented initiatives of the Ministry of Diaspora. I highly appreciate Hranush Hakobyan unwavering efforts for preservation of the Armenian identity. I feel at home at the Ministry because everyone gives me positive vibes. As far as Artsakh is concerned, we participate in all the telethons and the activities of all charitable organizations. My family and I are with Artsakh with heart and soul.

Karine Avagyan: Mrs. Andreasian, isn’t it hard to preserve the Armenian identity and carry out pro-national activities in Australia?

Hanriet Andreasian: It is not easy, but it is the mindset of each person. If you have the desire, you will also find the opportunity.

Karine Avagyan: What does the Homeland mean to you? What do you feel when you say “Armenia”?

Hanriet Andreasian: When I say “Armenia”, I feel strong and the calling of the blood of my ancestors! When I say “Armenia”, I feel at home! I feel the warmth of the sun, smell the scent of the sweet-tasting fruits, the taste of the cold and sweet-tasting waters of our fountains and feel longing!

Karine Avagyan: Thank you, Mrs. Andreasian! We also congratulate you on being appointed Advisor to the RA Minister of Diaspora in Australia and express our kind wishes.

Interview by Karine Avagyan