Early in the morning, Nigina’s mother entered her daughter’s room to wake her up. But Nigina was not there. Thinking she might have woken up early, her mother searched every room in the house and even the garden. Although Nigina rarely played with the neighbors, her mother still checked their homes — but no one had seen her.
By the time she reached the school, it was clear that something extraordinary had happened. The rocket was missing. Even more shocking was the huge hole in the school roof, which left everyone frightened and confused. But among Nigina’s classmates, fear mixed with excitement. The rocket they had built was not a toy after all. It was real — powerful enough to fly away. This filled them with pride and amazement.
No one could explain how a school project could reach another planet. No one knew where Nigina went. Her mother was worried, the teachers were confused, and her classmates were completely lost. The rocket was gone, the roof was destroyed — and Nigina had disappeared. For everyone, it became a mystery.
News about Nigina spread quickly — first across the town, then throughout the country. Journalists and scientists arrived from everywhere. They visited her school, her house, even the backyard. People who knew Nigina gave interviews, eager to share their thoughts. The whole country wanted to know: Where was Nigina? What happened to her? And how did she fly a real rocket?
Meanwhile, Nigina sat inside the rocket cabin, writing down her thoughts. Time felt strange to her — almost frozen. She explored the strange planet around her and was amazed to see sunflowers growing on Mars. Their leaves were purple, and the seeds were much larger. Curious, she tasted one and smiled. “It tastes good,” Nigina whispered.
Nearby grew banana and coconut trees. Just as she reached for a banana, something struck her hand. Startled, Nigina ran back into the rocket and peered out the window, trembling.
A sudden cry echoed outside, frightening her even more. But moments later, she saw a pile of bananas gently placed near the rocket.
It was a monkey — trying to make friends.Nigina’s fear melted away. Soon, she and the little monkey became close companions. She named him King of Space. With her new friend, she explored Mars freely. They walked along a silver river where fish sang songs, and pink-feathered ducks swam gracefully. Fields of chamomile stretched nearby, while red butterflies danced above them.
Nigina had never seen such a beautiful place. Everything felt magical — as if she had been born again.The King of Space gave Nigina a glowing butterfly as a gift — its soft red light brightened even the darkest night. She also met a frog who spoke twenty languages, a chameleon-cat that changed colors, and a magical plant called the Knowledge Leaf. The monkey handed her one of the leaves and said:“Keep this with you. It knows everything. When you are lost, it will guide you.”
Nigina wondered how easily she would now answer all the questions in her classes back on Earth.She left paper, candy, glue, and other little gifts for her new friends.
Then came the time to say goodbye. In the middle of the night, the rocket landed gently on her home’s roof. Her mother was awake — waiting. They embraced tightly. From her daughter’s eyes, the mother could see that Nigina had changed forever.
The news of her return spread quickly across the city. Reporters lined up to speak with the girl who had visited space. Her photographs appeared in the city center. But for Nigina, fame did not matter. What mattered were the friends she had made on Mars.Every night, when she looked up at the stars, she felt as though they were waving back at her.
Nigina wrote down everything she had seen — the rivers, the glowing butterflies, the magical plants — so others could learn about the wonders she discovered. She handed her classmates shiny stones she had brought from Mars and said she was proud of their brilliant inventions.
Story by Asmonur Rajabboyeva
English Translation by Shuxratova Nilufar
Shukhratova Nilufar Azizbek qizi was born on March 31, 2013, in Uchqo‘rg‘on District, Namangan Region. She completed her primary education at Secondary School No. 31 in her district. Currently, she continues her studies at the Ishoqxon Ibrat Creative School in To‘raqo‘rg‘on District.Despite her young age, Nilufar has achieved several accomplishments before the age of 12. As a young translator, she has translated many short stories from Uzbek into English. Through each new translation, she continues to develop not only her language skills but also her creative thinking and literary abilities.
One of Nilufar’s greatest dreams is to become a student at Harvard University, one of the world’s most prestigious higher education institutions. From an early age, she has been strengthening her passion for knowledge, language learning, reading, and creativity, moving steadily and confidently toward her goal.Her teachers and relatives describe her as intelligent, hardworking, inquisitive, and highly responsible. Every achievement Nilufar attains is a strong step toward her future success and greater accomplishments.
This month, we consider the peace, love, and joy honored during the world’s many December holiday celebrations. This issue also encourages us to take stock of where we are as human beings, physically, intellectually, and morally, and to take whatever steps are possible to rise to the next level.
Sometimes that’s going outside and getting some exercise. Brian Barbeito walks by a lake and considers the joy of simple living and natural beauty.
Aura Echeverri Uribe evokes the monumental destruction of an avalanche. Jack Galmitz speaks to how we manage and control wildness, in our neighborhoods and our bodies, and how it can reassert itself. Carrie Farrar speaks to the joy and wonder of visiting France to see the Mer de Glace glacier. Mahbub Alam speaks to a solid connection between humanity and nature, like a tree standing firm in the changing winds.
Tasneem Hossain draws on the owl as an extended metaphor for wisdom and protection. Roodly Laurore reflects on the tender and colorful beauty and diversity of nature in a piece which he intends to bring comfort in a violent and turbulent world. Maja Milojkovic encourages us to imagine a new world of gentleness and peace towards our earth and each other.
Elizabetta Bonaparte’s poetry takes a short, but strong and cogent, stand against war. Valentina Yordanova, in poetry translated by Yoana Konstantinova, laments the mindless destruction war brings to ordinary lives. Eva Petropoulou Lianou calls for genuine humanity in a world at war.
Samar Aldeek tenderly celebrates peace in her bilingual poetry. Dr. Perwaiz Shaharyar draws on the style of courtly romance to honor the legacy of Mexican poet, peace activist, and literary cultural worker Dr. Jeannette Tiburcio. Fernando Jose Martinez Alderete joins in the tribute to Dr. Tiburcio and also speaks of the need for peace and mutual respect.
Paul Durand warns us of dangerous currents, both in the ocean and in American politics. Bill Tope’s poem criticizes human rights abuses committed in the name of immigration enforcement. Duane Herrmann speaks to the spiritual unity of all the world’s people under Ba’hai teachings and how that serves as an antidote to racism and anti-immigrant sentiment.
Travel gives us firsthand experience with different cultures and helps us understand each other. Türkan Ergör illustrates the dislocation of travel through clever and poetic alteration of word and line breaks. Lakshmi Kant Mukul captures the exhilaration and elevated beauty of plane flight. Abdumuminova Risolabonu Nizamovna discusses how travel helps people learn practical skills, including pragmatic communication in multiple languages.
Learning foreign languages, and mastering one’s native language, helps us understand each other, whether we travel in person or through imagination and books. Shakhnoza Pulatova Makhmudjanovna offers strategies for mastering the Arabic language. Muhammadjonova O’giloy Bunyodbekov qizi offers up suggestions for learning Turkish that would be helpful for any foreign language. Abduhalilova Sevdora Xayrulla qizi highlights grammar rules surrounding modal verbs in the Uzbek language. Allaberdiyeva Farangiz outlines ways for students learning English as a foreign language to gain writing proficiency.
Xudoyberdiyeva Jasmina analyzes the linguistic phenomenon of “chatspeak” and ‘text-speak” on the Uzbek language in a piece that’s more intrigued than negative. Dinora Sodiqova discusses the importance of professional communication for aspiring young Uzbek leaders.
People can also travel through time by reading older works and studying history. Petros Kyriakou Veloudas reflects on the joy and the weight of being part of a creative heritage, even when one does not know the names of each and every ancestor. Poet Eva Petropoulou Lianou interviews poet Muhammad Shamsul Huq Babu about his literary legacy and dream of building a large book museum.
Dunia Pulungeanu highlights the lifetime intellectual and literary accomplishments of Dr. Edwin Antonio Gaona Salinas. Choriyeva Go’zal Gayratjon qizi explores the resurgence of academic and cultural interest in foundational works of Uzbek literature. Xudoyberdiyeva Mohiniso reflects on the historical significance of the Mud Battle, an early military defeat for Central Asian medieval historical figure Amir Temur.
Farzona Hoshimova celebrates the pride and beauty of the Uzbek culture. Matnazarova Munisa encourages young and old Uzbeks to remember and preserve their traditional culture. Bobonova Zulfiya sings of the pride, freedom, and beauty of her native Uzbekistan. David Woodward evokes a quest for truth through reading Krishnamurti, ultimately reconnecting himself with his family. Rahmonkulova Gulsevar Samidovna considers the cultural values implicit within Uzbek folk legends.
Muhammadjonova Ogiloy Bunyodbekovna reviews Abdulloh Abdulmutiy Huda Said Bahul’s book Qu’logim senda, qizim, which provides Islamic faith-based guidance for young girls, narrated by a loving father. Ruzimbayeva Quvonchoy also urges Uzbeks to hold onto their traditional values, including love, bravery, and respect for women.
Maja Milojkovic translates Eva Petropoulou Lianou’s tribute to hard-working women around the world from English into Serbian. Mashhura Ochilova highlights the historical respect for women in Uzbek culture and what modern Uzbek women have achieved. Jaloldinova Gulzirahon Otabek Kizi highlights women’s increasing participation in Uzbekistan’s public life.
Orifjonova Nozima Azizbek considers the prospects for preserving the Uzbek language in a time of economic and cultural globalization. Rahmonqulova Gulsevar Samid qizi analyzes the crucial father-son relationship at the heart of the Uzbek folk epic tale “Alpomish” and its centrality to Uzbek family-oriented culture. Rahimberdiyev Ozodbek outlines key elements of Uzbekistan’s heroic tales.
Dr. Jernail Singh describes how Dr. K.B. Razdan diagnoses some emotional and psychological ills of modern life in his book Gather Ye Rosebuds.Sean Meggeson’s visual poetry speaks to what we gain and lose as modern society progresses. J.K. Durick waxes poetic about times when it seemed that matters were more easily understood and categorized.
Abdulhafiz Iduoze’s epic poem, layered with traditional and modern references from Benin’s culture, serves as a ritual chant and prophetic warning about colonialism and corrupt power structures. It situates recent dynamics within epic time, reminding readers that current matters are not destined to last forever.
Shikdar Mohammed Kibriah affirms the reality of his personal experience amidst the complex claims of philosophical schools. Aisha Al-Maharabi speaks with the voice of one who asserts his claim to existence, writ large on the natural and human worlds. Strider Marcus Jones speaks to reclaiming and holding onto our interior life, emotions, and connection to nature in a world of mass media and technological disruption and deception.
Many other creators explore our internal lives, what we can learn from ourselves and each other and how we can grow as human beings. Allison Grayhurst speaks to her creative and personal journey: learning to function and create through loss, to integrate pain and struggle into her process. Alan Catlin’s fanciful “anxiety dreams” play with our modern insecurities about navigating daily life. Also experiencing anxiety, Mirta Liliana Ramirez’ poetic speaker takes a bit more time before she’s ready to venture out in the world.
Alimardonova Gulsevar Sirojiddinovna explores the balance between personal dreams and duty to society in Somerset Maugham and Abdulla Qodiriy’s writing.
Rus Khomutoff’s latest poetry collection Kaos Karma, reviewed by Cristina Deptula, flows through various words and ideas, pulling us along on the wings of a slow dream. Stykes Wildee’s latest poem seems at once dreamlike and ordinary and conversational, casual thoughts within the subconscious. Mesfakus Salahin’s poetry is ghostlike, contemplative, detached as he contemplates love and death. John Doyle’s poetry harks from a variety of inspirations: everything from insects to gas stations to trains and the countryside. Arjun Razdan’s quick fictional sketch compares young women he sees to elegant fine wine.
Abdulsamad Idris also explores tragedy and loss through a frank and visceral voice. Graciela Noemi Villaverde finds herself lashed by the storms of loneliness and sorrow. Hanaan Abdelkader Ashour approaches loss with tenderness, offering a kind and reverent note of remembrance for departed loved ones. Marianne Jo Alves Zullas speaks openly of her mourning for her departed mother, everywhere and nowhere at once. Mykyta Ryzhykh’s poem captures the emotional emptiness of a relationship where one person loves intensely, and the other remains distant, consumed by their own habits. Marjona Eshmatova outlines various types of family system dysfunction and how to address them psychologically. Taylor Dibbert points to the ways even well-meaning people can misunderstand each other. Dilobar Maxmarejabova warns us how a person’s heart can become colder and more jaded over time.
Mohamed Rahal speaks of striving for authenticity in one’s faith and in love. Narzulloyeva Munisa Bakhromovna encourages people not to compare themselves negatively with others’ projected lives on social media. Raximberdiyeva Moxinabonu outlines the pressing mental health concern of smartphone addiction and the need to balance our phones with the real world. Moldiyeva Bahodirovna speaks to the way digital technologies have permeated our lives and how to have the Metaverse complement, rather than replace, our world. Choriyeva Xurmo urges balance in the use of digital media in preschool education. Orozboyeva Shodiyeva highlights educational social media applications and encourages her peers to use those rather than focusing just on entertainment.
Priyanka Neogi playfully celebrates innocent, childlike love. Milana Momcilovic evokes an eternal, spiritual love. Dr. Brajesh Kumar Gupta captures an elegant romantic kiss under moonlight. Vorhees describes erotic and tender love with gentle whimsy and echoes of history. Kemal Berk contributes a graceful love poem about the merging of egos and personalities within a relationship.
Ana Elisa Medina describes a love that encourages her to become a better person. Mohan Maharana celebrates the value of small acts of kindness. Abdusaidova Jasmina shares the importance of kindness through a children’s tale involving a mouse. Balachandra Nair highlights the value of virtue by presenting positive character traits as valuable jewels on display.
Sayani Mukherjee pleads for deep, enduring joy that can withstand the world’s problems.
One way many people find joy is through engaging in various forms of creativity and knowledge gathering. Farida Tijjani draws on a wide variety of technical and natural inspirations to explore gender, creativity, and society.
Various contributors speak of advances in different fields. Uzoqova Gulzoda encourages innovative approaches to elementary school education. Nazulloyeva Feruzabonu highlights the value of science and innovation in inspiring society as well as providing material advancements.
Abdujabborova Rayhona points out ways medical and psychological professionals can reduce unhealthy stresses for pregnant people. Durdona Sharifovna Roziboyeva highlights the success of a recent orthodontic treatment for upper airway issues.
Dinora Sodiqova outlines basic principles of modern consumer advertising. Mamarajabova Shahnoza discusses how digital technologies are transforming the field of accounting. Dianne Reeves Angel celebrates the physical and mental artistry of comedian and actor Buster Keaton.
Several pieces remind us that as we advance in our knowledge and our technical skills, we must bring our humanity along with us. Kandy Fontaine raises questions about ethics and oversight concerning how people are treated in American hospitals. Avazbekova Rayyonaxon reminds medical professionals to display professional behavior as well as knowledge.
Finally, Dr. Jernail S. Anand reminds us to occasionally step back from the clatter of daily human interaction to connect with the universe on a deeper level. We wish all of you inspiration and a chance to think, feel, and connect with the world beyond yourselves this holiday season.
The High Value of the New Uzbekistan: The Global Ascent of Uzbek Women in Art and Beyond
Uzbekistan today stands at a decisive stage in its historical development — a period marked by rapid transformation, renewal, and the elevation of human dignity as a national priority. Within this dynamic process, women of Uzbekistan have become the defining force shaping the most inspiring chapters of the nation’s progress. They are not only the pillars of families and communities but also the driving agents of innovation, knowledge, and creativity. Through their remarkable achievements in science, technology, economy, culture, and sports, Uzbek women are capturing the attention of the world.
The status of women in Uzbekistan today goes far beyond symbolic respect. It is reinforced through tangible policies and initiatives that promote gender equality, remove structural barriers, and create strong platforms for personal and professional growth. This article explores the key directions of this rapid evolution, focusing on the mechanisms that empower women and the extraordinary accomplishments that have gained international recognition. Uzbek women are defining a new trend — one where intelligence, perseverance, and creativity merge to shape a globally admired identity.
The cornerstone of Uzbek women’s success lies in education. The country has made significant strides in ensuring that girls receive quality education and are encouraged to pursue modern and in-demand professions. In recent years, admission quotas for higher education have increased substantially, alongside the introduction of special grants and scholarships for female students. As a result, women now constitute more than half of all university students — a figure that symbolizes not merely numerical progress but a long-term investment in the nation’s intellectual capital.
Beyond traditional fields, young Uzbek women are making impressive strides in STEM — Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. They are entering disciplines such as IT, artificial intelligence, robotics, and engineering, supported by newly established IT parks and specialized training centers across the regions. Many of these women have earned recognition at international competitions and conferences, reinforcing Uzbekistan’s growing presence on the global technological map.
The rising number of women earning Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Science (DSc) degrees also signifies a powerful intellectual awakening. Uzbek female researchers are contributing meaningful innovations across fields like ecology, medicine, economics, and the humanities. Their discoveries enhance not only national academic prestige but also global scientific collaboration.
Economic independence and entrepreneurial spirit represent another defining dimension of Uzbek women’s global ascent. The government’s ongoing support for female entrepreneurship — through grants, preferential loans, and training programs — has enabled thousands of women to start their own businesses and achieve financial autonomy. Over the past few years, the number of women entrepreneurs in Uzbekistan has nearly doubled, with their enterprises thriving in both traditional and emerging sectors.
Female-led businesses are now reaching international markets, proudly showcasing the “Made in Uzbekistan” label. From textile production to handicrafts, from food industries to technology-driven services, Uzbek women are redefining the standards of excellence and creativity. Their achievements are not only contributing to economic growth but also shaping a more inclusive and sustainable model of national development.
Uzbek women are also becoming global ambassadors of culture and art. Designers, performers, dancers, and visual artists from Uzbekistan are earning recognition at international festivals, exhibitions, and creative platforms. They skillfully blend national traditions with modern aesthetics, giving a fresh and distinctive identity to Uzbek art on the world stage.
In sports, Uzbek female athletes continue to bring pride to the nation by winning gold, silver, and bronze medals at the Olympic Games, World Championships, and Asian tournaments. Their accomplishments in boxing, judo, weightlifting, and rhythmic gymnastics are powerful symbols of resilience, confidence, and determination. These victories serve as a source of inspiration for the younger generation, particularly for young girls who now believe that their dreams have no boundaries.
In conclusion, the women of Uzbekistan today embody intelligence, creativity, and perseverance that transcend national borders. Their dynamic participation in education, science, entrepreneurship, culture, and sports exemplifies the nation’s human-centered development strategy and its commitment to equality and empowerment. Every achievement of an Uzbek woman represents a collective triumph — a reflection of a society that believes in the power of opportunity and the worth of every individual. Uzbek women are not only shaping the New Uzbekistan but also redefining what it means to be successful in the modern world. Through their strength and creativity, they are giving birth to a new form of art — the art of ambition, progress, and excellence — a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
Mashhura Ochilova was born on August 14, 2001, in Sherobod district, Surxondaryo region, Uzbekistan.
She is a graduate of the Faculty of Philology at Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages, majoring in Korean and English philology.
Mashhura is an educator of Korean and English languages and a regional-stage participant of the prestigious Zulfiya State Prize competition.
She is the author of more than twenty international scholarly articles and has actively participated in academic presentations and conferences held in countries such as Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and the United States. Her research papers have been translated into English and Turkish and published in international journals indexed on the Google Scholar platform.
Fluent in Korean and English, and proficient in Russian and Turkish, she demonstrates strong multilingual competence. Currently, she serves as the Director of the Yumyong Academy Online Learning Center, where she teaches nearly 200 students in Korean and English languages, contributing to cross-cultural education and linguistic development.
Aura Echeverri Uribe, Colombian. Writer of novels, short stories, and poems. I have published fourteen books: Six novels and eight books of short stories. My first book of poems is with the publisher and will be published soon, and I am currently writing a novel.
