As part of the “One Hour, a Thousand Thoughts” project, implemented with the support of the Youth Foundation of the Republic of Azerbaijan, a meaningful forum with veterans of the 2020 Patriotic War was held at Mingachevir State University (MSU). Serving as the final stage of the project, the event was of significant educational and moral value for the university community and its students.
Hosted by Mingachevir State University, the event welcomed 20 Patriotic War veterans as special guests. More than 120 students, particularly those studying in the fields of social sciences and psychology, together with members of the academic staff, attended the forum. The event aimed to provide young people with the opportunity to learn from the veterans’ personal experiences, gain a better understanding of their psychological and social needs, and strengthen the spirit of patriotism among students.
The veterans first visited the university’s patriotism corner, where exhibits dedicated to the memory of Azerbaijan’s martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country’s territorial integrity were displayed. The exhibition featured photographs, commemorative materials, and symbolic displays honoring the heroes of the nation. The guests highly appreciated the university’s efforts to preserve and promote the memory of the martyrs.
The participants were then welcomed in the university cafeteria by Ilhama Ismayilova, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Pedagogy and Psychology and a professional psychologist. During this informal gathering, veterans and university representatives exchanged ideas in a friendly atmosphere and discussed the objectives and expected outcomes of the project.
The main part of the event took place in the university’s main assembly hall, where an extensive panel discussion was organized. The veterans shared their personal experiences, speaking openly about military training, the challenges they faced during combat, memories of their fellow soldiers, and the realities of life after the war. Their sincere and emotional stories attracted great interest from the students.
During the discussion, students actively engaged with the veterans by asking questions about combat psychology, post-war social adaptation, personal motivation, resilience, and serving the homeland. Drawing on their own experiences, the veterans offered valuable advice and life lessons, encouraging young people to appreciate peace, responsibility, and national unity.
The outcomes of the project demonstrated that veterans are willing to share their experiences of military service, wartime memories, and post-war life when provided with a supportive environment. Listening to their stories and understanding their challenges are important not only for preserving historical memory but also for strengthening social solidarity. For the project team, supporting veterans and providing them with opportunities to share their experiences has been both a privilege and a responsibility.
It is worth noting that further activities in this field are planned in accordance with the standards of the Center for Social and Psychological Services for Veterans, operating under the Department of Pedagogy and Psychology at Mingachevir State University. This initiative plays an important role in fostering students’ sense of social responsibility while strengthening psychological support for veterans. The active participation and commitment of students throughout the project were highly appreciated by the university administration and the project team.
The project team expressed its sincere gratitude to Anar Eminov, Rector of Mingachevir State University, for his support; Ilhama Ismayilova, Senior Lecturer and psychologist, for her professional guidance; Aynur Guliyeva and Shabnam Islamova for their organizational support; and all the students who actively contributed to the successful implementation of the project.
The “One Hour, a Thousand Thoughts” project has become a meaningful social initiative that fostered sincere dialogue between veterans and young people, enabled the transfer of valuable life experiences to future generations, and reinforced the values of patriotism and civic responsibility. Participants emphasized the importance of organizing similar meetings on a regular basis to continue strengthening the connection between veterans and the younger generation.