A solemn ceremony of opening the First Republic Hall was held at the Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University on May 27. TSU Rector, Academician Vladimer Papava, State Minister of Georgia for Diaspora Issues, Gela Dumbadze, representatives of international organizations, Georgian immigrants, TSU students and academic staff attended the event.
TSU Rector Vladimer Papava said that “yesterday’s festivity – the Independence Day of Georgia – continues today. Two events, which are so important for our country – establishment of the university and declaration of Georgia’s independence - took place in the same year symbolically. A great part of the university founders were simultaneously the government members. The university enjoyed huge support from the government. Now the descendants of the first republican government members are attending this event. This is a great honor for us.”
“I am so happy to be in my native university. It is symbolic that opening of the First Republic Hall coincided with the First Diaspora Professional Forum “Share Experience with Motherland”. I convey my special greetings to the descendants of the representatives of the First Republic,” State Minister of Georgia for Diaspora Issues, Gela Dumbadze said.
“I am glad to attend the opening of the First Republic Hall at the university. I want to express my gratitude to the students for this initiative. I am so pleased that the founders of the First Republic and their contribution to our motherland are respected,” Noe Zhordania’s descendant, Vice President of the Noe Zhordania Institute, Kristine Pagava said.
“My organization Long Live Georgia is one of the first organizations of Georgian immigrants in France. We have a lot of original documentary materials about Georgia’s First Republican Government and we plan to issue three books on the basis of these materials. We will gladly cooperate with the Tbilisi State University, TSU students and professors,” Noe Ramishvili’s descendant, Tieri Berishvili said.
The First Republic Hall was opened at TSU upon the initiative of students. The university commission studied the proposal and the relevant decision was approved by the Rector’s order.
Opening of the Tbilisi University (January 26, 1918, old style) preceded the declaration of Georgia’s Independence (May 26, 1918). Initially the higher educational institution was established as a private university. A few months after creating the First Republic of Georgia (September 3, 1918) the university was transformed into the State University. The government of the First Republic of Georgia supported the development of the university as much as possible. The university founders, its professors and lecturers have greatly contributed to the establishment of the First Republic of Georgia. Their sacrifice in the struggle for maintaining the independence is immense.
