In the early 1990s, beloved Tajikistan was drawn into severe internal conflicts. As a result, society was overwhelmed by despair and hopelessness, mistrust in the future, looting, bloodshed, hunger, and a part of our population was forced to flee to neighboring countries, becoming refugees. In such a fragile and dangerous situation, the nation needed a dedicated and selfless leader who would direct all his strength toward safeguarding national independence, saving the Motherland from disintegration and destruction.

God granted such a person to the Tajik nation. Thirty-one years ago, at the historic XVI Session of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Tajikistan, the young Emomali Rahmon took the oath as Chairman of the Supreme Council, promising to bring peace to Tajikistan, return every last refugee to their homeland, and unite the suffering and divided Tajik nation.

Through selfless efforts, dangerous travels, and constructive dialogues with various political groups, this outstanding, courageous, and wise statesman succeeded — at the cost of risking his own life — in restoring peace and national unity in the country. Therefore, the noble people of Tajikistan loved their leader more dearly than their own lives, believed in him, entrusted him with the future of the state — and did not make a mistake.

During that sensitive historical period, when the country needed peace, stability, unity, and solidarity above all, the presidential system was introduced to strengthen the executive branch, enhance its efficiency, ensure timely decision-making, improve the mechanisms of law implementation, and reinforce legality and public order. This was a deliberate choice, derived from historical lessons and from analyzing past and present experiences of state governance. Fortunately, the transition to a presidential system not only saved the state and nation but also became a key factor in the sustainable development of all spheres of public administration — economics, politics, culture, education, and others.

The achievements of the President of Tajikistan are evident: during 34 years of independence, more than 32 higher education institutions, 41 primary and secondary vocational institutions, and 3,246 schools have been established and built, including 156 institutions of a new type (gymnasiums, lyceums, international schools) and 300 preschool institutions. Only in 2024 and the first six months of 2025, 247 new general education schools for more than 110,000 students were put into operation across the country. On September 1, almost 2.3 million students, including more than 1.11 million girls, began the school year; 272,000 of them (133,000 girls) entered school for the first time. They are taught by more than 128,000 teachers, over 72% of whom are women.

The Leader of the Nation’s selfless work and tireless efforts for his ancestral homeland united the people, and the noble people of Tajikistan recognized him as a leader with a truly national essence, guiding the country on the path of statehood. Therefore, in accordance with Article 2 of the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan “On Holidays,” November 16 is celebrated annually as the "President’s Day of the Republic of Tajikistan." On this historic date, November 16, 1994, the Founder of Peace and National Unity — Leader of the Nation, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, took the oath for the first time as the President of the Republic of Tajikistan. The country then adopted a republican form of governance and began to advance rapidly in various spheres.

For this reason, November 16 is celebrated every year as the President’s Day of the Republic of Tajikistan.

The deep political, economic, social, ideological, and spiritual crisis of the 1970s and mid-1980s led to the collapse of the Soviet Union — a powerful superstate. After its dissolution, we, like other former republics, became independent and free. Thus, the end of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century became a decisive stage for the Tajik nation. Unfortunately, the collapse of the USSR caused the destruction of economic ties, political confrontations, and the worsening of social conditions. Especially illegal attempts to seize power, daily rallies organized by newly established parties and movements, eventually resulted in a devastating civil war.

There is no denying that history sometimes produces personalities whose intellect and wisdom influence the development of a new society. The fate of independent Tajikistan was also closely tied to the destiny of such a historical figure, whose name is now known to all. Indeed, all accomplishments of the nation and the state from the late 20th century until today are connected with the name of this beloved Leader.

The distinguished individual — the Founder of Peace and National Unity, Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon — is one of the most outstanding sons of the Tajik people, who succeeded in raising the name of Tajiks and Tajikistan to new heights.

We all witnessed how the civil war brought the nation to the brink of extinction and the state to the edge of collapse. Fate bestowed a savior upon the Tajik nation — the election of Emomali Rahmon during the XVI Session of the Supreme Council became a true gift of rescue. In those extremely difficult days, he assumed leadership, instilling hope and belief in peace, unity, and a bright future in the hearts of the people.

As a wise, farsighted, and noble leader, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon saved the state from destruction and the nation from annihilation, uniting the people around him and guiding them firmly toward peace, stability, and future development. Thus, the architecture of the modern Tajik state and the revival of our nation as an ancient civilization are inseparable from his name.

Furthermore, the Leader of the Nation has gained recognition internationally as a peace-loving figure, a unifying leader, a creator of prosperity and favorable living conditions for his people, and an initiator in solving global issues. His reputation is acknowledged not only by citizens of Tajikistan but also by the international community.

Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, said:
“Emomali Rahmon is one of the outstanding figures who holds a prominent place among the political leaders of the CIS. This is not accidental. All his efforts testify to the fact that peace in Tajikistan is stable — something unseen in any other country with a similar level of tension. Everything achieved in Tajikistan is a remarkable example for many nations and states.”

Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus, stated:
“The many years of selfless work of Emomali Rahmon aimed at strengthening peace and stability, improving the well-being of the Tajik people, and enhancing Tajikistan’s international standing deserve the highest respect.”

Former President of India Kocheril Raman Narayanan noted:
“We are amazed by the tireless efforts of His Excellency President Emomali Rahmon to restore peace, national unity, and build a modern, free society in Tajikistan. We are confident that these efforts will bring great results.”

Given these facts, it must be emphasized that the President’s Day of the Republic of Tajikistan truly deserves to be celebrated every year with great honor and pride. The Leader of the Nation has played an exceptional role in establishing the independent state system of Tajikistan, restoring constitutional order, achieving peace and national unity. Having been elected by nationwide vote in 1994, he has made significant contributions to building a sovereign, democratic, lawful, secular, and socially-oriented state, saving the nation from fragmentation, the state from collapse, and the people from civil war, while ensuring the political, economic, social, and cultural development of independent Tajikistan.

Therefore, taking this opportunity, we sincerely congratulate every Tajik and every citizen of Tajikistan on this noble and historic day. May lasting peace, national unity, and political stability always flourish under the wise leadership of our beloved President — Emomali Rahmon.

Hakimov Jaloliddin Saidshoevich
Deputy Dean for Educational Affairs
Faculty of Engineering and Technology
University of Innovation and Digital Technologies of Tajikistan