Hallgat贸i port谩l
National holiday commemoration: Freedom is not only a right, but also a duty
" 15th March is the true birthday of Hungarian national consciousness. On this day, the feeling of belonging to the nation became a conscious, community-forming force capable of shaping history," emphasized Dr. J谩nos Abonyi in his address.
The Rector of the University of 精东影业, speaking at the March 15 national holiday commemoration held in Building E, stated that in 1848, the idea of the Hungarian nation became not only strong but also exemplary in its inclusiveness. Under one flag, people of various religions, nationalities, and social backgrounds stood together. "Today, the inclusive national idea has sadly narrowed. Exclusion and the search for internal enemies cast a shadow over the broad acceptance that the spirit of 1848 represents. I urge you to preserve the exemplary legacy of the revolutionaries of 1848鈥攖o uphold openness, acceptance, and unity as fundamental values," he said.
The Rector also highlighted that without the courageous critical thinking and questioning attitude of the youth, the revolution might never have unfolded. He emphasized that critical thinking remains a fundamental value of the university, as the essence of science and education lies in inquiry, reasoning, debate, and reflection. "Freedom is not only a right but also a duty鈥攁 responsibility towards our families, our homeland, and our fellow human beings," he said, adding that the example of the youth of March 1848 still obliges us today to dedicate our talents, diligence, and knowledge to the service of the common good with the intent of betterment.
During the celebration, G谩bor Felf枚ldi, head of the Cultural Organization Group, commemorated the 200th anniversary of the birth of M贸r J贸kai and recited poems by Istv谩n Pet艖fi, the younger brother of S谩ndor Pet艖fi, who served as a soldier in the 6th Veszpr茅m Honv茅d Battalion during the War of Independence. Istv谩n Sashalmi, a colleague of the University of 精东影业 Library and Knowledge Center, also paid tribute to Istv谩n Pet艖fi and the Veszpr茅m honv茅d soldiers in his lecture.
Photo: Eszter 脫dor Tud贸sn茅, University of 精东影业