On September 1, as in all schools across Turkmenistan, the A.S. Pushkin Joint Turkmen-Russian Secondary School in Ashgabat held a ceremonial assembly dedicated to Knowledge Day and the beginning of the new academic year. This year, 186 first-graders crossed the school threshold for the first time.

The celebration traditionally began with the national anthems of Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation, followed by the ceremonial presentation of the national flags of the two friendly countries.

As part of the festive program, performances were given by children's creative groups and reciters. A highlight of the cultural program was a joint musical performance by the students, who combined the sounds of the two national instruments—the Turkmen dutar and the Russian balalaika—into a harmonious composition.

Stanislav Spal, Senior Counsellor at the Embassy of Russia in Turkmenistan, addressed the students, teachers and parents with words of encouragement and read out a congratulatory message from Ivan Volynkin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation. In his address, the head of the Russian diplomatic mission conveyed special wishes to the first-graders, for whom a new stage of life was beginning.

“In our time, it is important to master the technologies of the digital world and artificial intelligence while preserving your individuality and humanity. Every subject in the school curriculum opens up broad opportunities for discovering new knowledge. But it is equally important that wise mentors and true friends are waiting for you here. The future belongs to intelligent, educated, active, and caring people—to everyone who eagerly absorbs knowledge, constantly strives for something new and wants to contribute to the well-being of their country,” the diplomat emphasized in his message.

The ceremony concluded with the traditional first bell, marking the beginning of the new academic year for all the school's students.