Winners of the "Pearls of Independence" Children's Contest Receive Presidential Prizes
The colorful finale of the state contest for gifted children, "Garaşsyzlygyň merjen däneleri" ("Pearls of Independence"), took place at the "Turkmen White Yurt" concert venue in the Ak Bugday district of Akhal Province, near Ashgabat. This traditional festival—which annually kicks off the series of celebratory events marking the country's independence anniversary as part of the nationwide "Türkmeniň Altyn asyry" (Golden Age of the Turkmen) competition for the Presidential Prize—once again served as a vibrant launchpad for young talents from every corner of Turkmenistan.
The finale turned into a grand celebration of music and dance: children's folk and vocal-instrumental ensembles, as well as soloists, performed dozens of pieces ranging from ancient folk songs to modern pop compositions.
Hundreds of spectators greeted the young artists' dazzling performances with thunderous applause. The evening culminated in the jury announcing the seven winners—schoolchildren from Ashgabat, Arkadag, and all five of the country's provinces—who were awarded commemorative diplomas and laptops in accordance with a decree by the President of Turkmenistan. All other finalists also received valuable gifts on behalf of the Head of State and the National Leader of the Turkmen people.
