Saying No To Nuclear Testing

On September 10th, Discussion and Art Exhibition «Prospects For A Nuclear Weapons Free World & Saying No To Nuclear Testing» took place in Washington, organized by the The Embassy of Kazakhstan & The NOVA Institute For Public Service. I had a chance to personally visit this event and I can say that  I’m very impressed and want to broadcast everything. First of all,  a little about the history: Project АТОМ – is an International Organization developed in order to provide public information about nuclear testings and the effects on the environment and people.

The main reason of this project is to unite the efforts of the millions of people all over the world to stop nuclear testings. During the session at Northern Virginia Community College in Alexandria, Virginia I have noticed that many people including students from different countries have knowledge in this area. I see that, we, a new generation and the future of the country, are not apathetic about this problem and this means that we have a voice and can change everything! I attract your attention, dear readers, who has just read this article, to sign the petition on the official web site of the ATOM project for prohibiting a use of any nuclear weapons in the World! Sing petition here!!!

During the meeting at Nova and the embassy of Kazakhstan, The Ambassador of Kazakhstan Kairat Umarov and the Kazakhstan Ambassador-At-Large Roman Vassilenko, Honorary Atom Project Ambassador, Artist and Nuclear Activist Karipbek Kuyukov and Professor Robert Guttman , gave a speech.

 

Also, you can see the whole meeting on the web portal of the Organization.

 

Of course, I, as a journalist, couldn’t miss a chance to talk to the honorable Ambassador of the Atom Project, the World Famous Painter Karipbek Kuyukov who was born without hands due to the nuclear testings in Semipalatinsk. I consider this a big opportunity that I got a chance to personally talk to Karipbek because I am impressed and proud of this kind of people for achieving their goals and keep going further! Let’s all together find out more about the life of this amazing person who draws for the sake of the peace.

Kairpbek, please tell our readers about your childhood?

I was born without hands and my parents wanted me to have prosthesises which would help me to operate normally and for instance eat by myself. So my parents were trying to find a medical institute to help me with the prosthesises. They found the Research Medical Institution of Prosthesising in St Petersburg,Russia. I got my prosthesises, but unfortunately, I was not able to get used to it. So during  my childhood in Russia, I was surrounded by people like me in the boarding school. Afther the boarding school I got the degree in accounting, thanks to my Father who gave me an opportunity to study.

Please tell our readers about your first painting? How did it happen?

Well, regarding my art attempts, it happened in the childhood. I tried many different types of art: macramé burning out the pictures on the wood plate, and art sawing. I’ve attended many different clubs, but the painting club addicted me. There was a special room in the boarding school with pencils, and paints; this is the place where I tried to paint for the first time in my life. The first paintings were trivial: blue sky, sun etc. once I started to paint more, I got into it. But I think the first professional painting was a portrait of my mother.

We’re very interested in where you are currently working and living?

I’m currently living and working in Karaganda. The President of Kazakhstan presented me a one-room apartment.

I’m aware that you sell your paintings. Where can I see them?

We’re currently thinking of creating a web site. Every painting takes up a lot of efforts. I’m turning 45 years old soon. I may introduce my painting at some exhibitions. But you can always visit my Facebook page.

I think that all American students who have learned about you today at the NOVA university will be happy to hear few words or maybe wishes to them.

This is not the first time travelling to the USA. There are so many kind people, I found many friends here. I know some people who lived by the polygon in the state of Nevada. I can definitely state that Americans don’t like the nuclear testing. I’m also glad that I met people who were caring. This people give me energy to keep going on my path. I would like to wish American people peace and happiness in their homes. I wish that all their inherits would appreciate everything they have done for them before.

I see that you have two medals on your chest. What were they awarded for?

The first one is called «Kurmet». It was awarded to me in 1999 by the President of Kazakhstan for participating in anti-nuclear action.The second one is the Nevada-Semipalatinsk award in honor of celebrating 20 years of the creation.