Participants of different ages and from various countries participate in the Armenian language courses of “Diaspora Summer School” program. Each of them hashis/her own cause and history accounting for their determination to learn Armenian. Today we’ll get to know the story of the 54-year old Richard Lapajian.

– I was born and grown up in Montevideo, Uruguay. I was grown up in the Armenian colony; my parents used to be actively involved in the life of the colony (my father was a very good pianist) and in various cultural initiatives, which was contingent on their wish to establish themselves as theArmenian. Both my father and mother were from Lebanon, representing the second generation of goldsmiths. However, by pure chance, I have chosen my path, by which I have been walkingfor the time being.

From early childhood, I used to play dhol and guitar; but, when I was 13 years old, for the first time I took ud in my hand and, for already 35 years, I have been playing ud. I am a self-learner, and haven’t received any education.

After graduating the school, five of us – Josef Karaian, Daniel Vardamian, Miguel Vardamian, Gabriel Nalbandian and I, established “Yerevan-50” band, which is already 35 years old. All the members of the band were scouts, and I became an artist by pure chance.

In the Uruguay colony, band is a matter of significant pride. It accompanies famous Armenian singers being on tour in the South America. Throughout the years, the composition of the band has been changed; many of them would leave for other countries, and today only two of the founders arestill in the band. Currently, I am the Director of the band and my beloved friend Miguel Vardamian is the Artistic Director.

– You have moved to America and have been engaged in jewelry. Are you still playing?

– Yes, both on professional and amateur levels. I am engaged in recordings and concerts. I have cooperated and still cooperate with many singers living in America, such as Harut Pambukchian, Aram Asatryan, Hovik Grigoryan, Harut Khachoyan, Harut Hakobyan, etc.

It wouldn’t be true to say that I am an artist, as I have been specialized in jewelry; however, I take any chance to play and haven’t forgotten it. During these days, I have performed atseveral concerts; I have performed at Gafeschyan Center with “Sayat-Nova” band.

– You know, I am interested in one question: you were born and grown up far from the Homeland, but you speak Armenian very well. Whom do you owe your good command of Armenian?

-Strangely, my father and mother wouldn’t speak much Armenian at our place; my father knew Armenian fluently, he could write in Armenian, but in our family they mainly wereused to speak Spanish. My grandmas and grandpas were from Adana. They were Turkish speaking and usually used Turkish words in their vocabulary.

When, at 24, I left for America, I knew very little Armenian. My first home was in Hollywood, and there were many Armenians fromArmenia living in the neighborhood. I may say that I received my latest lessons from these Armenians. Until now, many of my friends are the Armenians from Armenia, and I am proud of it. Truly, Armenians are verydifferent, andwithout having any intension to offend anyone, I think that the Armenians from Armenia are special; both the artists and the ordinary people are a kind of different. Now my Armenian circle of friends is quite wide. I learned Armenia from my Armenian friends. I needed only to learn writing and reading in Armenian. Thanks God, I can fill this gap in the University. I would like to extend my thanks to the Ministry of Diaspora, the Minister Hranush Hakobyan and the whole staff for organizing all this. The classes help to defend ourselves, defend by the language and be able to stay an Armenian.

– Actually, that is why you participate in “Diaspora Summer School” program, isn’t it? How did you learn about the program?

– The head of “Repat Armenia” organization Vardan Marashlyan is my good friend. He said that there is an interesting program that might be very useful for me and that due to it I would be able to read and write in Armenian. Now I am very glad to participate in this program; I am very glad because these Armenian feelings are essential for me.

I know that there are many hardships. But I would like to say one thing: the country is not built by 2-3 people; building a country is the task of all the citizens. Each individual should do something for his/her Homeland. Especially now, Diaspora and the Homeland should work together.

I want to tell you one thing. When I visit Uruguay, I usually meet my friends. When we talk about the situation in the Homeland, I take pride, because all of them would say that our Government is working this or that way, our state officials think like this or do this or that. They live in Uruguay, but are not talking about Uruguay, but, instead, about the Armenian government and consider the Armenian Government as their government. Although we are from Uruguay or America, we consider us 100% Armenians; this is our Homeland, it sustains and helps us to preserve our Armenian identity.  On my opinion, any Armenian who hasn’t set foot onthe Homeland, may judge the Homeland, may judge the 3.5 million citizens, may judge the land. But that Armenian should, in the first place, come and see what hardships are in the real life, and only then talk about and judge the Homeland. They should know what is situation in the Homeland; our neighbors are Muslims, but we could survive on this saint land as Christians. Defending the homeland is not easy, and all the Armenians should defend and protect our country.

– Is this your first visit to Armenia?

– Yes, it is.

– In fact your first visit to Armenia has been at 54. What are your impressions and feelings?

– I should firstly talk about the positive aspects. I am very proud when walking on Yerevan streets; I experience unusual feelings, I feel safe and relaxed. No need to explain who I am, as I am an Armenian and I walk on the streets of my Homeland. In America, Uruguay or another country, where I have been traveled, I have to always explain who I am. And then usually the following dialogue would take place:

– Who are you?

– I am an Armenian.

– Oh, an Armenian? Where are you from?

– I am an Armenian born in Uruguay.

– I wander, are there Armenians in Uruguay?

And I begin to tell and explain. Here I do not need to do so. I can go anywhere and say – Hello! How are you? What is your name? Tamara. Nice to meet you, Tamara jan, I am Mr. Lapajian. You see, there is no need to tell and explain much.

I have just seen the Homeland; I am glad to see new streets, new building, and luxury cars. I am proud of all that; I am happy that following the Independence Armenian has been in good progress. However, it hearts when I see beggars on streets, when I see how old man and women beg money. But then we – Armenians – are not like that, we are respectful, humble, and honorable.  For several times I have used the public transport; people readily give place to old men and women, but when I see beggars, my heart pains. I am a religious man, I pray all the time for settlement of such problems in Armenia. Instead of complaining of our Government, we should rather help and pray. Prayer is verymuch powerful.

During these days I have been in various places in Armenia. I am sorry for the life in rural areas. This is another thing to be considered.

I know that a lot of things are done in the Homeland, but more should be done;such things should be offered, so that it makes us move to Armenia in groups.

– I wander if you would like to live in Armenia.

– What a tough question! Perhaps sometimes here, sometimes in America might be an option. But as the human, I have a weighty answer to this question. If God wishes such a path for me, I’ll follow his wish. This means, if God wishes, then with great pleasure…

Interviewed by Lusine Abrahamyan