The concepts of Homeland, Nation, and People represent the highest values for humanity. These three ideals form the foundation of one’s moral compass, symbolizing selflessness and active civic responsibility. Though they may appear distinct, they are inextricably linked — a harmonious unity that serves as the cornerstone of societal development, national identity, and state stability.

This spirit is fully reflected in the Presidential Decree PD N. 222, dated July 10, 2025, “On the Preparation and Celebration of the 34th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan.” According to this decree, the glorious 34th anniversary of national independence will be celebrated with the utmost dignity and in a manner befitting the progress of New Uzbekistan and its growing international stature.

Celebrations dedicated to the 34th anniversary of independence will be held under the noble motto: “For the Homeland, for the Nation, for the People!”, and adorned with traditional festivals such as “Homeland in the Colors of the Motherland,” “Let Us Live for the Homeland!,” and “The Greatest, the Dearest.”

The Homeland is existence — a sacred land defined by the organic unity of nature and society. The Nation is wealth — the guardian of its language, values, customs, and traditions. The People are being — a living force propelled by common aspirations and a shared vision for the future.

The soul and body of a person are one with the homeland. A person may live without sight, hands, or feet, but not without a homeland. It is the place of birth, development, and self-realization — a sacred space where one’s spiritual and material being is rooted. Every individual’s youth, memories, and sacred recollections are intimately tied to the homeland. National security and peace depend above all on the defense of the homeland. Our idea is our defense. Thus, the slogan “The homeland is sacred; protecting it is our duty” is not uttered in vain. Preserving its value, prosperity, and future is the responsibility of every citizen.

History testifies that a nation deprived of its homeland loses its stable existence — a glance at the fate of the ancient Sarmatians, Scythians, or Khazars is enough to affirm this.

In building a strong civil society, every individual contributes to the prosperity of the homeland through their work and talent: the farmer by cultivating and preserving the land, the teacher by educating and shaping the future — and so on.

The Nation is a spiritual treasure, cherished for its history and culture. It is a socio-spiritual unity bound by a common language, history, traditions, and values. Its wealth lies in the spiritual and material legacy accumulated over centuries. The nation is not a historical relic but a living force — the collective soul of a society bound by shared language, religion, culture, and customs. National unity ensures social harmony and cohesion. When a nation respects its values, it defines its spiritual strength.

For instance, the Uzbek language’s designation as the state language symbolizes not only a legal right but also a profound national identity. Likewise, the recognition of Navruz as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO demonstrates the global acknowledgment of our national values. The same can be said for the inclusion of Uzbek national dance, the Bakhshi art, and plov (pilaf) as national heritage by that prestigious institution.

A nation contributes to world civilization through its values, language, literature, and arts. Without a nation, language, culture, and literature would also disappear. Alisher Navoi, Ibn Sina, and Farobi represent the scientific wealth of their nations. The nation is a form of wealth — not only materially, but also spiritually, historically, and aesthetically.

The People form the foundation of national unity and social justice. They are the force that brings prosperity to the homeland and vitality to the nation. Ensuring the well-being of the people is the primary duty of any state. When the people are respected, the nation is honored, and the homeland is illuminated.

A clear example is the central role of the idea “In the Name of Human Dignity” in Uzbekistan’s current political and social strategy. This principle prioritizes the interests of the people. During the pandemic, doctors, volunteers, and ordinary citizens demonstrated exceptional dedication to serving the public. This was a powerful display of patriotism and solidarity.

The people are a living society, a conscious collective, and the social subject responsible for realizing national ideals. As long as the people exist, the homeland and the nation will thrive.

It is appropriate here to cite several aphorisms that logically reinforce our reflections:

The people are creators, builders, protectors, and preservers.

During the 2020 pandemic, the unity and mutual aid among the people gave strong support to the state. In the historical contexts of the Kokand Khanate and the Bukhara Emirate, popular movements led to major societal transformations. As the Enlightenment writer Abdulhamid Cholpon said: “The people are the sea, the wave, the strength.” The people are the nation’s breath and the real embodiment of existence — the living proof of our being.

This triad — Homeland, Nation, and People — is a symbol of eternal harmony.

It is a sacred triangle. Preserving their unity ensures the spiritual stability and moral maturity of society. If today's younger generation is raised on this foundation, the future will be in the hands of enlightened, wise, and responsible individuals.

One who understands that love for the homeland stems from faith, who sees honoring the nation as a sacred duty, and who believes that serving the people is a human obligation, will surely feel a deep sense of patriotism and civic pride.

As we approach the 34th anniversary of independence, it is worth emphasizing that this slogan reflects the philosophical essence of this threefold idea. The homeland is our place of belonging; patriotism is our opportunity within that space. The nation is our spiritual and cultural wealth; the people are the source that preserves and gives life to these values.

Without these three — it is like a body without a soul, a nation without spirit, a society without purpose. That is why this triad is the spiritual pillar of unity between individual, state, and society.

All our efforts and shared goals are in harmony with these three deep-rooted concepts of our independence. Homeland, Nation, and People — they are the signs of our existence, our wealth, and our eternity. These concepts also embody the call of our nation's leader to unity and strength.

Therefore, we have every right to call a person who devotes their work, talent, knowledge, and potential to the homeland, nation, and people — a true patriot, a champion of the nation, a servant of the people, and above all, a herald of enlightenment.

Rakhimboy Jumaniyozov

Professor, Member of the Uzbekistan Writers’ and Journalists’ Unions,

Member of the “Enlightenment” Promotion Society,

Press Secretary of “TIIAME” National Research University