Citizenship Judge Babikian Receives RoA Medal
Canadian Citizenship Judge Aris Babikian of Toronto was granted, on
April 3, the Gold Medal of the Ministry Of Diaspora of the Republic of
Armenia for outstanding service to Canadian civil society, to the
Canadian Armenian community, and for enhancing Canada Armenia
bilateral relations.
Addressing the Yerevan gathering, Minister of Diaspora Hranoush
Hagopian said: “We are proud to have in Canada a compatriot like you.
We understand that it is not easy to reach such high position in far
away lands. We are grateful that you have devoted your entire life and
energy to the Armenian people, preserving the Armenian identity and by
your professionalism and consummate work you are enhancing Armenia’s
image in the Diaspora.”
The RoA Ministry of Diaspora Gold Medal is granted to those providing
notable service for Armenia-Diaspora partnership, making contributions
to the strengthening of relations between Armenia and the Diaspora and
relations within Diaspora Armenian communities.
Judge Babikian thanked the Minister for her words and for considering
him worthy of the medal. Keghart.com reached Judge Babikian who said:
“This is a great honor to receive this award on the eve of the
Genocide centennial.” He dedicated the award to his grandfather, a
survivor of the Armenian Genocide and to all victims of Medz Yeghern.
He said: “This award means so much to me, specially since it comes
from the homeland which we have dreamed of for centuries. People who
help solidify Armenia-Diaspora ties in the Diaspora through
professional activities and strengthen the Armenian identity so far
from the homeland are greatly honored to receive this recognition.”
The award ceremony took place at the Ministry of Diaspora and in the
presence of senior officers and staff of the ministry. Prior to the
ceremony the minister had a private meeting with Judge Babikian,
senior policy makers, and liaison officer Khoren Mardoyan. They
discussed issues related to Armenia-Canada bilateral relations. The
Minister said she valued and praised Canada’s friendly and warm
relation to the Armenian people and Armenia. She wished to deepen
Canada Armenia bilateral relations in economy, education, tourism and
other spheres.
Minister Hagopian and Judge Babikian also discussed the welfare of
the Canadian Armenian community and how to encourage Armenian youth to
become more active in Canadian society.
From: A. Papazian