I am Kuziyeva Shahrizoda, a Master’s student at Urgench State University named after Abu Rayhan Beruni. Thanks to the unwavering support of our honorable President and the incredible opportunities being created for us young people, we are now reaching great heights. Among the youth who are achieving success, I too have had the honor of receiving several notable achievements. For instance, I have been awarded the prestigious state scholarships named after Alisher Navoi and Islam Karimov, and I was recommended for a Master’s degree program with special privileges.
My academic and creative works are now being published in countries such as India, South Korea, China, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Turkey, Argentina, and Spain. This is a clear testament to the fact that the voices of Uzbek youth are spreading across the globe—and that no obstacle can limit us. All of this is possible because of our President’s deep trust in young people. It is that trust that gives us the courage to express our ideas freely and confidently, without fear or hesitation.
Moreover, under the President’s “Five Important Initiatives,” we launched a social project dedicated to promoting reading, called “For the Nation.” We transformed this initiative into a digital platform. Today, through this project, nearly 500 young people have genuinely fallen in love with books and are reading them together with their families and parents. As one of the proud youth of New Uzbekistan, I can confidently say this: if a young person has passion in their heart, determination in their step, and a clear goal ahead—nothing is impossible. Success is within reach for those who truly strive.
Where else in the world can you find a country that entrusts its entire future to the hands of its youth? Where else can you see young people not only developing a love for literature but also buying cars for their parents out of gratitude and pride? In what other land are youth offered interest-free loans to start their own businesses? All these opportunities exist solely for the benefit of young people. Didn’t our President once say, “The future of Uzbekistan is in the hands of its youth”? We—the youth—are his strongest army. In a time when everything revolves around young people, it is our duty to respond to these boundless opportunities with knowledge, ambition, and great achievements.
As long as we have the strong support of our President, the voice of New Uzbekistan’s youth will continue to ring out loud and proud across the world. Those who possess their own voice, their own convictions—without a doubt—are the children of an independent nation, a nation proud of its heritage.
Taking this moment on the occasion of Youth Day, I sincerely congratulate all the young people of Uzbekistan. And to everyone who carries the spirit, the joy, the energy, and the purity of youth in their hearts—Happy Holiday! May your steps be firm, your voice be strong, your knowledge be abundant, and may your path always be as wide and smooth as your dreams! When you conquer the highest peaks, may the eyes of your parents shine with pride and happiness.
Indeed:
We, the youth, are the future of our land, Let us stand guard, a shield in our hand. Come, peers, let us read and explore, And build a fortress of knowledge at the core!
Kuziyeva Shakhrizoda was born on January 1, 2000, in the Khorezm region. By the order of the Minister of Higher and Secondary Specialized Education, she was awarded the Alisher Navoiy State Scholarship in the 2022-2023 academic year and the Islam Karimov State Scholarship in the 2023-2024 academic year. She was recommended for a master’s degree twice on a preferential basis. In addition, she won the “Youngest Scientist-2021” competition among CIS countries and was recognized as the “Youngest Female Scholar” at the age of 21.
Some wars are fought without weapons, Without cries of pain or roars of rage. Emotions silently reveal What words fail to express.
Blood-tinged tears that melt on the eyelids Etch the chronicles of such battles. Sometimes, a few words fall like thunderbolts, Shattering the silence. Nightmares, in their chaos, Strike sleep like lightning. Sleepless nights Stand vigil for stone-hearted souls.
Days pass like trains on forgotten tracks. Yet, memories that refuse to leave Wait like lonely stations. Sleepless nights keep rolling by, And hopes — like unreachable grapes — Toss and turn in disturbed dreams.
A sudden tremor Shakes her awake. With courage anew for yet another battle, She sets out again.
Dr. B. Bindu Madhavi is an Associate Professor at Kallam Haranadha Reddy Institute of Technology, Guntur. She earned her Ph.D. in English Literature from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad, specializing in Indian English Fiction. With over 16 years of academic experience, she is a passionate educator and a prolific writer. Dr. Bindu Madhavi is also a published author, known for her evocative poetry and compelling short stories that often reflect deep human emotions and cultural nuances.
Anand posits restraint as the cornerstone of existence, both in the natural world and in human endeavours. This idea resonates with ancient philosophies like Aristotle’s *Golden Mean* or the Buddhist *Middle Path*, where balance is essential for harmony. In art, restraint manifests in the careful modulation of voice into song or words into meaningful sentences, illustrating how discipline transforms raw potential into beauty. The essay suggests that restraint is not merely a limitation but a creative force.
The essay concludes with a lament for a civilization “bred on excess”—excess of ambition, provision, and imagination. Anand critiques modern education for failing to teach humility or respect for human limits, resulting in a society that prioritizes achievement over humanity. This echoes critiques of modernity by thinkers like Thoreau or Gandhi, who warned against the dehumanizing effects of unchecked progress.The call to be “gentle to the elements” and “respectful to gods” is a plea for ecological and spiritual harmony. It suggests that happiness lies not in transcending limits but in embracing them with grace. [XAI]
Restraint and Discipline
Restraint and discipline when come from an understanding of the facts of life, help take life forward and, thus, retain their artistic value. However, when they are imposed by external agencies, it is good only to an extent, but under maverick dispensations, they take the shape of repression also, which scuttles human will, disorients the idea of self-discipline and restraint, and leads to suppression, followed by extreme discontent, rebellion, civil war and revolution.
Restraint is the essential fact of life, as well as the soul of all art. When we make a medicine, we add so many items but what is more important is its proportion. Life, too, is made of chemicals, which blend with the laws of physics and mathematics. When these chemicals are altered, we get different formations. Restraint thus dominates the creative process, and dictates what will be what. It is the magic of this restraint which turns the voice issuing forth from our voice box into a cry or a song When people sing, a single simple breath can be altered in a thousand ways, to create as many ‘ragas’. Words are bound into sentences to mean certain things. Behind all this, there is the element of restraint which works to control variations and bring out a meaning we want to create.
Limits
While ‘restraint’ appears to be an intrinsic phenomenon, limits appear to be the outer garment of these restraints. How far a man can grow. How high a ball can go. How long you can live. Then there are limits on our faculties also. How high you can listen. And how low a voice you can pick up? How loud you can speak. Everything has a limit. Everything is restrained by an invisible force.
Limits are a natural supplement. We inherently know what to speak, how high to speak, what not to speak, to whom to speak, – these are restraints which define our conduct as good or bad. If we let go this restraint, it can bring chaos in human life. If we lose restraint in eating and drinking, we immediately fall ill. It is a minor issue. But, if the cosmic forces lose their restraint, there are calamities and catastrophes.
Universe: A Perfect System
The fact is that this Universe is a perfect system, and anything that violates the discipline is burnt up in the space. Men too, who do not observe discipline and respect limits of their being, soon meet a devastating end. In regard to personal freedom, a quote is quite popular: “Your liberty ends where my nose begins”. Liberty and restraint define civilized human relationships. Not respecting limits shows forth in personal life too. The rich people who go on amassing wealth, never eat their dinner with peace. Their mind is a burning grave-yard in which joys commit suicide. They bring misery to the lives of other people and the greatest sufferers are their own loved ones, their wives, their sons and their daughters, who are directly affected by this pathological madness.
The Crime World: Going Overboard
In society too, crime lords arrogate to themselves the powers of judgement, and gods are never comfortable with them. It is a strange paradox that dacoits are often considered great disciples of gods and goddesses, who they worship before they embark on any [mis]adventure. These are falsities perpetuated by men to cover up their foolish deeds. No god can bless a person who holds a gun in his hand and is planning to plunder homes of innocent people. These artificially powered people have only one destination. They end with a bullet in their back.
Are Gods manufactures of Pain & Misfortune?
Loss of discipline and failure to observe restraint coupled with utter lack of understanding are responsible for the pain and misery which society faces on a large scale. We think it was gods who gave this bitter gift to mankind. But the fact is gods carry only blessings for mankind. You will see all the pains and miseries are manufactured in a foundry called human mind. You are the manufacturer of the pains, misfortunes and miseries scattered around you. It does no good to you to ascribe these pains to God’s Will and then say, you accept all with resignation.
We err grievously if we think this misery and pain come to us from gods whereas they come to us from our own provision store. Gods have only one role in it. They have to deliver you the items you have ordered. We try to be smart with gods too. But, smartness does not pay. Gods make you leave your mind, your intellect, and your smartness in the cloak room while you check into the holy empire.
Leading a Happy Life
Gods are very unhappy with human beings and are sad too, to think that men, in their extreme wisdom, resort to smartness and try to befool godly systems. The facts however stand on the other side. In order to lead a happy life, we need to be gentle to the elements, and respectful to gods. It is better if we realize our limits as human beings. But, it is a pity, our education does not teach anything about these limits. They do not teach us to remain human. This is the tragic conclusion of a civilization which is bred on excess, excess of ambition, excess of provision, and excess of imagination.
Author:
Dr. Jernail Singh Anand, considered “the greatest poet among philosophers and greatest philosopher among poets” is a towering literary figure whose work embodies a rare fusion of creativity, intellect, and moral vision. Laureate of Seneca, Charter of Morava, Franz Kafka and Maxim Gorky awards with an opus of 180 books, his name adorns the Poets’ Rock in Serbia. He is the founder of International Academy of Ethics. If Tagore is the serene sage of a colonial past, Anand is the fiery prophet of a chaotic present with a voice that resonates globally while remaining fiercely Indian.
Throughout history, there are figures that never fade with time. Figures that, even if born from mythical imagination or ancient philosophical thought, continue to inspire, challenge, and teach. One such figure is Heracles – a hero who didn’t just accomplish twelve labors, but who shaped an entire cultural and ethical worldview across the centuries.
With deep emotion and admiration, Eviasmile today hosts an interview that unfolds Heracles not as a mere myth, but as a multifaceted phenomenon: historical, ethnological, philosophical, artistic, and profoundly human. The artist and researcher Konstantinos Fais, through his visual creations and in-depth study, guides us into the fascinating world of Heracles – from ancient Erytheia to Euboea and the Lichadonisia – proving that this hero is more modern and relevant than ever.
1. I came to know you through Mrs. Eva Petropoulou-Lianou, with whom I’ve been collaborating for the past year. Upon discovering your work, I was deeply moved and thought to engage in an interesting conversation about the Path of Heracles. How did your involvement with Heracles begin?
First of all, I must mention that Mrs. Petropoulou-Lianou is a calm yet powerful force in the realm of culture. Despite her cultural and humanitarian actions evolving on a global scale, she chooses to avoid showiness and unnecessary spectacle.
As for Heracles, although I was fascinated by his myth since childhood, my intensive engagement with the hero began about eight years ago, when I decided to delve into highlighting primarily Greek and broader Mediterranean culture through visual art. A thorough study of Greco-Roman literature – essential for understanding Heracles – introduced me to incredible dimensions of the myth that geographically extend beyond Hellenism, even as it developed during the Second Major Greek Colonization of the Archaic period.
The myth’s excellence became strikingly apparent and admittedly captivated me. Heracles not only survived the fall of the Greek world with the rise of the Roman Empire, but became a symbol of strength and bravery, a tool of political symbolism, and an archetype embraced by emperors. Leaders and entire dynasties in the ancient world claimed descent from him – for example, Leonidas of Sparta was considered his 20th descendant, Alexander the Great his 27th, along with Pyrrhus I of Epirus and Fabius Maximus.
From the fall of the Roman Empire through the Byzantine period, the Renaissance, and the Enlightenment, Heracles of Thebes retains his status as a paragon of chivalry, arriving in our times with undiminished prestige…in such a way that all other heroes pale in comparison.
2. According to your research, do you believe this hero really existed? What can we learn from his mythology and how can it influence modern life?
First, allow me to congratulate you on your bold and deeply thoughtful question. It’s my belief that this most dazzling chapter of Greek Mythology and of Hellenism as a whole contains a strong historical core.
It may be that the myth was inspired by a prominent Greek figure from the Bronze Age, or a succession of notable individuals whose deeds merged into a unified mythological narrative. The ethnological approach, based on Greek and Roman sources starting with Herodorus of Pontus, suggests that there were at least seven mythical figures named Heracles – and the Roman scholar Varro mentions 43! Roman author Mavrus Servius Honoratus notes that even before the Roman Empire, any man of immense strength was dubbed “Heracles” by the Romans.
Of course, there’s also the contrasting theory that the myth is a purely philosophical construct, its interpretation shifting with the times and the author. Regardless, the knowledge and values transmitted through the myth – from archaic and classical antiquity to modern life – constitute undeniable cultural and moral wealth.
The truth is that Heracles’ myth is transformed throughout recorded history: from Homer’s “performer of great deeds,” to the “king of empires from East to West” in Dio Chrysostom, and then to the “benefactor of the people” in John Tzetzes of the 12th century AD. His character evolves fascinatingly.
Consider the myth’s wide reach in the ancient world – from the island of Erytheia west of Tartessos to the Aornis Rock in Asia, from the Hyperboreans to Ethiopia – people everywhere told of his exploits. As for what he teaches us: to purify our soul and follow the path of Virtue requires constant struggle and sacrifice, regardless of origin or status.
Despite his many epic feats, if I were to choose one defining moment of his life, it would be the famous allegory by the sophist Prodicus – the crossroad where Heracles must choose between Virtue and Vice, ultimately choosing Virtue. As Pythagoras also said, it is the difficult tasks that lead to virtue, not the pleasant ones. He called virtue “the law of the gods” and great-heartedness, prudence, and bravery “strong anchors.”
3. In exploring the etymology of the name “Heracles,” I found that it means “the glory of Hera.” But according to mythology, he was pursued by the goddess Hera. How do we reconcile this?
First, it’s worth noting that Heracles was also descended from Perseus and Alcaeus, which is why he was initially called Alcaeus or Alcides, after that ancestor. Mythological accounts differ by era, region, and author.
The version you refer to is explained as follows: Hera, to punish Zeus’s infidelity, sent two snakes to kill the infant Heracles. I’m fond of the astronomical detail from Theocritus of Syracuse, who wrote that “on the night the Bear [Ursa Major] tilted westward, two snakes with sparkling eyes, dark venom, and terrible fangs charged at Heracles.” Yet the baby strangled them with ease and, when Amphitryon entered the room in a panic, Heracles joyfully tossed the dead serpents at his foster father’s feet.
Another “earthly” version from Pherecydes of Athens claims it was Amphitryon himself who placed the snakes in the cradle to see which child was his own. When the people of Argos learned what had happened, they gave the boy the name “Heracles” – meaning he earned glory (kleos) because of Hera.
Another version: after Hera drove him mad, causing him to kill his own family, Heracles sought purification at the Oracle of Delphi. There, the Pythia gave him the name Heracles – “he who glorifies Hera” – as a form of spiritual redemption.
If we set aside Hera, there are other theories. Diodorus Siculus says the Heracles of Zeus and Alcmene – “the third and final one, who lived just before the Trojan War” – inherited the name from two earlier figures: the Cretan Idaean Heracles and an Egyptian Heracles. Because he lived a similar life to theirs, it was believed that “through all the ages, there was only one Heracles.” This is part of what we call the “ethnological prism” of Heracles.
Lastly, the philosopher Porphyry wrote in On Statues that Heracles was a name for the Sun, from klasthai pros ton aera – “to move toward the air,” symbolizing the sun’s journey from east to west, which purifies the Earth of evil. Thus, the twelve labors were linked mythologically to the zodiac cycle.
And regarding Hera’s jealousy: ironically, it was her milk that made Heracles immortal and created the Milky Way. This strange twist, as Diodorus puts it, shows how his birth mother abandoned him out of fear, while the source of his fear – his stepmother – unwittingly gave him divine nourishment.
4. I’ve volunteered for over nine years supporting people with disabilities. Could you share a bit about your artwork and your collaboration with the Lighthouse for the Blind?
Allow me once again to express my sincere admiration for your work. That collaboration was a unique and truly profound experience for me. It’s a real challenge for a visual artist to create for those with visual impairments, as sight is a primary mode of receiving information.
I had to carefully select the appropriate artistic pieces to fulfill this goal. We raised the bar for knowledge through Art and ancient literature because inclusion is a social imperative without boundaries. The first piece adapted into tactile format through the pioneering PIAF method was a portrait of Heracles.
5. Through your artistic perspective, can we find the path of Virtue that Heracles followed?
Regarding my art, I can confidently say that it is an effort to highlight our sacred and ancient heritage through each work – the result not only of long-term research but also of selfless love for our heroic and genealogical lineage.
From our modern elders to the ancients, our legacy is unified, and I believe we must respect it and build our future upon its timeless teachings. That said, distancing myself from narrow ideologies or opportunism, I believe it is up to each person to interpret visual stimuli in ways that serve both personal and collective good.
Greed, excess, and superficial modern lifestyles have caused spiritual atrophy in humanity – what Periander once called a “burdensome inheritance.” As Thucydides said, “Without courage, no art holds power over danger.” Food for thought…
6. On your social media, I noticed some of your works have been animated through AI. Can you tell me more about that?
Yes, depending on the context, I was initially hesitant – even skeptical – about artificial intelligence. But I eventually gave in to curiosity and experimented a bit. I must admit, I was impressed with the results.
However, as an artist rooted in classical and Hellenistic styles, I’ll approach this realm with great caution. We “old-school” researchers and artists still say nothing compares to the “smell of paper.” I’m in favor of progress, of course – but with respect for our roots and ethical framework.
7. While writing this interview, I thought schools could organize activities to help students learn about Heracles and draw life lessons from him. What do you think of this idea?
It’s an excellent idea – the real question is whether the authorities are willing to implement it with maturity and vision, as the greatest hero deserves. If we continue to treat Greek mythology – and Heracles in particular – merely as bedtime stories, there’s little hope for serious progress.
Heracles is an epic saga that’s been burning bright for 3,000 years. Interpreting his myth requires a multidimensional approach, and to incorporate it into education effectively demands thoughtful planning.
It should begin with simple storytelling at the early stages, then gradually delve into primary sources and the myth’s historical evolution – from Antiquity, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, to the 19th-century comparative theories and 20th-century psychoanalytical and structuralist interpretations.
Higher education institutions should also take this more seriously. As far as I know, that’s not yet happening. For any such attempt to bear fruit, wisdom and care are essential.
8. Before we conclude this wonderful discussion, is there a final message you’d like to share with Eviasmile readers?
This truly was a beautiful discussion. I’d like to share a myth related to your island. Beyond Heracles’ connection to the healing springs of Aidipsos, tradition tells us that after he conquered Oechalia and took Iole, the daughter of the city’s king, they went to Euboea – to Cape Cenaeum – where he built an altar to Cenaean Zeus.
To offer a sacrifice, he sent a herald, Lichas, to nearby Trachis to bring him his ceremonial robe. However, Lichas revealed the whole affair to Heracles’ wife, Deianira, who, overcome with jealousy, gave him the tunic soaked with Nessus’ blood.
Heracles wore it to perform the sacrifice, but the poison seeped into his flesh, causing it to rot. In pain and rage, he hurled Lichas into the Euboean Sea. From the fragments of Lichas’ body, the Lichadonisia islands were said to be formed.
The Italian sculptor Antonio Canova immortalized this scene with a technique equal to Hellenistic sculpture over 200 years ago. Today, one can admire this neoclassical masterpiece at the National Gallery of Modern Art in Rome.
On a related note, I’m also intrigued by the Lelantine War of your island, as recorded by Thucydides – one of the defining events of early Greek history.
In conclusion, I’m truly pleased that Eviasmile has shown such genuine interest in Heracles and the glories of our ancestors through this wonderful interview. Euboea’s rich legacy must be preserved and promoted through coordinated effort.
This interview is not merely a conversation about Heracles – it is a journey into the essence of Virtue, Courage, Sacrifice, and Faith. Our guest, with grace, depth, and a deep sense of cultural duty, reminds us that the past is not dust on library shelves, but a guide toward a more meaningful future.
Eviasmile is honored to host voices that respect tradition, elevate our cultural identity, and inspire new generations to walk – like Heracles – the difficult but redemptive path of Virtue. Because ultimately, every heroic deed begins with one question: “What kind of person do you want to become?”
To my mentor Shohida, who has empowered over 50,000 girls through Shine Academy…
What is joy? I ask myself anew— Is it a victory, or just something true? If someone asked me to describe delight, Your face would rise before my sight.
A gentle smile, serene and kind, Your words, in hearts, are deeply lined. So pure, so honest—like a child, You are joy, though so selfless and mild.
To every girl, your love runs deep, A river of care, in silence it speaks. To some, you are strength; to others, a dream, A world of grace with a radiant gleam.
If I may speak the honest truth— Shohida-sister, with boundless ruth, Though life may have given you pain to bear, You give girls joy beyond compare.
One day the world will know your name, A Shohida who lit hope like flame. A living example, brave and sincere, A quiet hero we hold so dear
Rashidova Shaxrizoda Zarshidovna is a young writer from Qorako‘l district, Bukhara, Uzbekistan. She was born on October 31, 2010, and studies at School No. 20. Shaxrizoda is the author of several books, including The Magic of the Pen and Nafas. Her poems and stories have appeared in Ezgulik and Raven Cage magazines. She has won multiple district-level literary contests. Shaxrizoda leads the “Young Writers” Club and coordinates local youth initiatives. She also represents “Wekelet Community” in Uzbekistan. As a mentor, she has helped nearly 100 girls grow creatively. She is a member of the Writers’ Union of Argentina. Her work reflects a strong voice of her generation.
