David Gevorgyan from Moscow is one of the participants of the first stage of the 2014 “Ari Tun” Program organized by the RA Ministry of Diaspora. David stands out from the other participants with his curiosity and smart questions, and he was very nice with his friends. “Hayern Aysor”’s correspondent sat down for an interview with David during the visit to Khor-Virap.

“Hayern Aysor”: Tell us about yourself, David.

David Gevorgyan: I was born in Yerevan, but have been living in Moscow with my family for many years now. I still go to school and am an excellent student. I’m also involved in soccer, swimming and kickboxing.

“Hayern Aysor”: Could you tell us what you do to preserve the Armenian identity in Moscow?

D. G.: That’s an important issue for me as well. In spite of being in a Russian-speaking environment, I always try to speak in Armenian so that I don’t forget the language. I teach my friends and relatives Armenian since they have trouble speaking the language. There are also Armenian clubs in Moscow, and I attend the Armenian language courses. There are also choirs and dance ensembles. We do everything possible to preserve the Armenian identity.

“Hayern Aysor”: What made you decide to participate in the “Ari Tun” Program?

D. G.: One of my friends told me about the program and how content he was. I got interested and decided to participate.

I even refused to travel to Brazil so that I could participate in the “Ari Tun” Program. I was supposed to go to watch the World Cup, but I don’t regret coming to Armenia.

“Hayern Aysor”: How are the tours in the Homeland?

D. G.: There is a lot to do every day. I especially like the lessons on Armenian language and literature, and I attend them with pleasure. There were topics that I had forgotten, but now I have the opportunity to recall them. I read books devoted to Armenian history and literature in Moscow. Visiting different historic and cultural sites, I see the places that I had longed for. I’ve already made good friends, and we talk about the morals in our countries and our daily routines. We promised to keep in touch after the program and strengthen our bonds.

“Hayern Aysor”: What are your future goals?

D. G.: After the “Ari Tun” Program, I’ll be leaving for London to improve my knowledge of the English language.

Interview by Gevorg Chichyan