Cameraman Vardges Manukyan

By what principles is modern literature evaluated during competitions and by publications, what is particularly important when accepting a book for publication? Literary critics Hayk Hambardzumyan and Arkmenik Nikoghosyan discuss.

Hayk Nalbandian was wounded on November 8, the last day of the 44-day war. He was a sniper and was wounded by a sniper's bullet. "My life was divided into two parts: before and after the war. After it's more difficult for me, but I have to be stronger and live every day to the fullest," says the 21-year-old young man. We met Hayk in his small workshop.

There is a well-known story about how someone with the surname Tumanyan kindly urged the very young Hovhannes Tumanyan to change his surname and choose a normal literary name, because there cannot be two Tumanyans in the literary field. However, no one remembers that person anymore, but everyone knows Tumanyan.  Why are writers being forgotten, is this forgetting solely related to literary value, or are there other reasons?

Literary critics Hayk Hambardzumyan and Arkmenik Nikoghosyan discuss.

Seyran had 3 months left of his military service when the 44-day war began. Seyran became the participant of Jabrayil's hottest battles. The last firefight was not without consequences. We met Seyran at his grandfather's house in Martuni. He cut fish and sang with his grandmother. He is sure that one day he will get up from the wheelchair and walk.

Norayr Avagyan volunteered and went to the front during the 44-day war. He received a spinal cord injury in the fighting for the defense of Shushi. Now he is in a wheelchair. He dreams of his own house and workshop.

Literature also has therapeutic, sobering, spiritual harmony-restoring properties. All this is especially important in moments of individual and public crises. What to read in difficult times? Literary critics Hayk Hambardzumyan and Arkmenik Nikoghosyan discuss. 

Sirak Gevorgyan is a participant in the 44-day war.  He had served only one month and eight days in one of the military units of Askeran when the alarm sounded. He underwent 7 operations on tissues and joints of the hand. We met Sirak at the Church of the Holy Mother of God church in Yeghegnadzor, he made the decision to wear a scribe shirt before another operation.

Abraham Hakobyan received a shrapnel wound, his face is completely covered with shrapnel, and another operation is needed to remove them.  "I'm tired of surgeries," says Abraham. After a serious injury, the doctors gave no hope of walking, but thanks to willpower, Abraham not only walks today, but also returned to his job as an assistant cameraman. Although the work is physically demanding and difficult for the injured leg, Abraham does not even think about giving up the job. He also started writing stories. It's a good opportunity to unwind and clear your mind.

I was bleeding for two days. The doctor said that if my neck wasn't muscular, the main vein that the scar on my face runs through wouldn't last. God and sport saved me." Tigran started a new life after the war, but had to leave sports. He was injured by an anti-aircraft missile strike in Hadrut. "I had a knife, somehow I found the strength, took it out of my pocket and kept it close to my heart, so that if I suddenly hear the voice of a Turk, I will kill myself. I heard voices: look, someone is moving, it's Tigran from Vanadzor. Ours came."