People's poet, chairman of the "Civic Solidarity Party", Sabir Rustamkhanli, who was awarded the "Sharaf" order by President Ilham Aliyev yesterday and served as a deputy for many years, celebrates his 80th birthday today.
Speaking to Modern.az on his jubilee day, Sabir Rustamkhanli stated that a person should first of all try to live correctly and fairly:
"How to live is not something planned. It is a destiny, a fate. A person should live as a human being, honestly and fairly. Then, whatever he can do, he should do for his nation and homeland. He should cultivate his land, love people. If he has a talent given by God, he should engage in it."
The People's Poet noted that it is not possible to achieve fame by chasing after it:
"Fame does not come by chasing after it. You must live your own life, go your own way singing your own song. Then fame will follow you."
He never thought about orders and awards:
"I had one path, the path of Azerbaijan's independence. I worked for it. But I never expected a reward for it. The articles written about me in social media and the press in recent days are the greatest love for me. Earning the love of the people is the greatest reward."
S. Rustamkhanli stated that the head of state awarding a literary figure at such a time is an indicator of the value given to culture:
"At present, Azerbaijan's concerns are overflowing. The restoration of Karabakh is underway, major international events are being held. In such a period, remembering the work of a poet and awarding him an order is the country leader's attitude towards literature and culture."
He said that he received the first congratulation on his birthday from his family at 12 o'clock at night:
"I received the first congratulation from my granddaughter at midnight. My granddaughter and daughter opened the door and came in, congratulating me. Then the children and relatives called."
The People's Poet also spoke about the events held in Turkey related to his jubilee. He stated that meetings lasting several days were organized in Ankara:
"80 trees were planted in Victory Park in my name. Meetings were held with Turkish intellectuals. A wonderful event was held at TÜRKSOY with the participation of ambassadors and ministers. I think it will be difficult to reach the level of the events held in Turkey."
Sabir Rustamkhanli also emphasized the importance of maintaining human relations despite differences in political views:
"I have never seen a boundary in the discussion of government-opposition. Political views may differ. But we are all children of the same land, the same nation. There is no need to seek confrontation in such matters."
Sabir Rustamkhanli stated that he will celebrate his birthday with his family:
"We will officially celebrate my birthday on the 26th at the Azerbaijan National Drama Theater. But today we will also sit together with the children at home."
Speaking about the reasons for remaining energetic despite being 80 years old, the People's Poet attributed this to both genetic factors and love:
"It has two roots, one is genetic, the other is love. A person becomes winged with love. He should approach his work, his homeland, and people with love. Hatred and envy shorten human life. Life should be lived with love."
When talking about the difficulties of his political path, Sabir Rustamkhanli stated that he approached all struggles without losing love:
"When a person believes he is right, when he defends what he knows to be true, there is still love within him. I have always defended the path I knew to be right."
To the question, "Sabir muallim, what saddened, regretted, and made you feel bad on this long political and literary path? Who did you hold a grudge against?" Sabir Rustamkhanli, who has always been at the forefront of the socio-political and cultural environment, said that he no longer thinks about such things in his 80-year life:
"It's a difficult question, I'm not thinking about that now."
