Mahmudhoji Behbudi didn't just come up with ideas - he lived them.

Mahmudhoji Behbudi didn't just come up with ideas - he lived them.

Uzbekistan celebrates the 150th anniversary of the founder of the Jadid movement in Turkestan Mahmudhoja Behbudi remains a vivid symbol of progress and enlightenment, whose life and work inspire the pursuit of knowledge and service to society. His views, based on a harmonious combination of traditional values and modern knowledge, remain relevant in the context of the rapid changes of the 21st century. Behbudi did not just offer ideas, he lived them, dedicating his life to the struggle for the enlightenment of the people. His writings, filled with calls for freedom of thought and responsibility for the future of the Motherland, serve as a powerful example for young people. The enlightener defended reforms in education, equality, the development of national literature and theater, as well as democratic transformations. These principles find a response in the tasks of the New Uzbekistan, where the emphasis is on the formation of harmoniously developed personalities capable of creativity and innovation. Behbudi's life, full of struggles and achievements, demonstrates how one can overcome the limitations of an era by striving for knowledge and progress. He traveled the world, studied languages, and introduced advanced teaching methods, showing that dreams and ambitions are achievable with perseverance and faith in his ideals. Popularization of his work helps young people realize their national identity, feel proud of their historical heritage and inspires them to self-development. In March 2023, in his address to the participants of the International Conference on the Study of the Jadid Heritage, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted: "The Jadids, being progressive representatives of their time, in extremely difficult conditions came up with the idea of national development through the dissemination of knowledge and education, and radical reform of education and upbringing.… These initiatives and noble deeds of theirs have received a wide response in society and have become a powerful force." And today, the task of society is to revive this potential, directing it towards the education of active and creative youth. Therefore, in recent years, Uzbekistan has been actively working to promote the legacy of Mahmudhoji Behbudi, covering educational, cultural and media spheres. A monument to Behbudi has been erected in the capital on the Alley of Writers, and a house museum has been opened in Samarkand, where he lived and worked. All these activities are aimed at creating conditions for in-depth study of the enlightener's ideas, making them accessible to a wide audience, especially young people. Much work remains to be done this year as part of the implementation of the Presidential decree "On the wide celebration of the 150th anniversary of the birth of the founder of the Jadid movement in Turkestan, an outstanding writer, public figure, publisher and educator Mahmudhoji Behbudi" dated December 27, 2024. It is planned to update the exposition of the house museum in Samarkand and beautify its territory in order to attract more young visitors. In Karshi, one of the streets will be named after the enlightener with the installation of a memorial plaque. This will not only perpetuate the memory of the great ancestor, but also create a space for patriotic education. A number of major educational events are planned. An essay contest "Lessons of Mahmudhoji Behbudi" will be held among students of secondary schools and creative schools, "Temurbeklar Maktabi" cadets and university students. The event encourages the study of the educator's biography and ideas, developing the skills of analytical thinking and literary creativity. A scholarship named after Mahmudhoji Behbudi has been established for students of the University of Journalism and Mass Communications of Uzbekistan, and in the field of drama there is an award of the same name that motivates young people to actively participate in the cultural and scientific life of the country. Literary and educational evenings also contribute to the popularization of the legacy of the great ancestor. Scheduled for November, a solemn literary and educational memorial evening at the Alisher Navoi State Academic Bolshoi Theater will become a platform for discussing the educator's contribution to culture and presenting new editions of his legendary works. Such meetings have already been successfully held, attracting young people through interactive formats, including readings and discussions. For example, in 2020, the National Library of Uzbekistan hosted an exhibition dedicated to the 145th anniversary of the birth of Mahmudhoji Behbudi. Theatrical art, the foundations of which were laid in Uzbekistan by Behbudi with his 1914 play Padarkush, also remains an important tool for popularizing his ideas. Productions dedicated to the life of the educator are planned, audiovisual projects are being created for social networks and the media that make the heritage accessible to the digital generation and allow young people to see the relevance of the ideas of Jadidism in the modern world. The expansion of the inclusion of Mahmudhoji Behbudi's legacy in school literature and history curricula, as well as the organization of regular youth forums dedicated to Jadidism, promises to play a major role. This year, a collection of Behbudi's "Selected Works" and popular science books about his life will be published, which will be distributed in schools, universities and libraries. Popularization of heritage is not just about preserving the memory of the past, but also a strategic investment in the future of Uzbekistan. The ideas of the enlightenment ancestors about education, equality and progress form the qualities necessary for the further development of the country among young people. Studying the works of Behbudi helps young people realize the value of their history and culture, strengthening their patriotism and national identity. So, the educator was convinced that education is the basis of progress. Today, his example continues to inspire young people to develop themselves and acquire new knowledge. Behbudi's social activism, his struggle for human rights and openness to new knowledge demonstrate the importance of participating in public life and upholding one's own beliefs. His approach, based on a synthesis of tradition and modernity, teaches us to look for non-standard solutions, combining respect for cultural heritage with a thirst for innovation. Behbudi's legacy is not a frozen monument of the past, but a living source of wisdom that illuminates the path to the future. By educating young people on his ideals, Uzbekistan is building a society where every young person can become a creator, a patriot and a worthy follower of the work of the great ancestors. And as Behbudi himself said, rights are not given, but won. And today, this struggle is being waged for the minds and hearts of a new generation, ready for great achievements.

The newspaper “Pravda Vostoka”.