Wednesday, August 10, 2022
No Result
View All Result
Asbarez.com
NEWSLETTER
ՀԱՅ
  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Community
  • Arts & Culture
    • Art
    • Books
    • Music
    • Theatre
    • Critics’ Forum
  • Op-Ed
    • Editorial
    • Opinon
    • Letters
  • Columns
    • By Any Means
    • My Turn
    • Three Apples
    • Community Links
    • Critics’ Forum
    • My Name is Armen
    • Living in Armenia
  • Videos
  • Sports
  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Community
  • Arts & Culture
    • Art
    • Books
    • Music
    • Theatre
    • Critics’ Forum
  • Op-Ed
    • Editorial
    • Opinon
    • Letters
  • Columns
    • By Any Means
    • My Turn
    • Three Apples
    • Community Links
    • Critics’ Forum
    • My Name is Armen
    • Living in Armenia
  • Videos
  • Sports
No Result
View All Result
Asbarez.com
ՀԱՅ
No Result
View All Result

Obituary: Mekhitar Grigoryan a Humble Servant of Humanity

by Contributor
April 9, 2020
in Armenia, Community, In Memoriam, Latest, News, Top Stories
1
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Mekhitar Grigoryan
Mekhitar Grigoryan

It is with heavy heart that the Armenian Technology Groups reports the unexpected passing of a humble servant of humanity, a research scientist in the field of agriculture, Mekhitar Grigoryan.

Heartbroken, Gagik Mkrchyan, ATG Foundation Director in Armenia, shared the sad news with the Armenian Technology Group, Inc. (ATG) executive committee headquartered in Fresno, California.

Grigoryan was the chief agronomist at the ATG Foundation in Armenia.  He had worked with Gagik since 1977, while they were employed at the Armenian Ministry of Agriculture, prior to the collapse of the Soviet Union.  Gagik worked as a mechanical engineer, specializing in farm equipment and Mekhitar, served as an agronomist.

Mekhitar joined ATG in 1992 and, since 1994, the two were inseparable partners and an integral part of ATG’s projects in Armenia.

In early Spring of 1992, Mekhitar was in Spitak, along with the ATG founding board members, Dr. Arthur O. Hazarabedian,  D.V.M., Dr. Robert Bushnell, Dr. Leon Garoyan, Roger Benton, Don Tounjes and Monte Bell, when they planted the first wheat and alfalfa seed fields and trial plots near the epicenter of the earthquake- devastated city of Spitak.  What would become a lifelong commitment to building the country’s seed bank, Grigoryan once fondly remembered, was working closely with the founding members in planting the first fields on a snowy day. He adapted the technology passed on by the US technical advisers  and, for the next 28 consecutive years, followed the process of propagating the breeder seed, conducting extensive trials of seed varieties and multiplying them, as needed, to meet the local demands.
“Mekhitar was the only person in our republic who literally set seed trial plots all over Armenia. No other person possessed the equivalent knowledge he had.  No one did, and perhaps no one ever will, carry out as much as he did, applying agronomic science and  methodology in a way that would, finally, assist the growers’ ability to harvest higher- yielding, disease resistant crops and, thus, help feed our nation,” stated Mkerchyan.

Beginning in 1994, Mr. Grigoryan worked very closely with US Technical Advisors, Soil Scientists and Agronomists James Bauder, Ph.D., Roger Culver, Roger Benton and Mark Goodson, the latter, a USDA State Agronomist from Pennsylvania. Mekhitar mastered applied science methodology in seed propagation.  At ATG, Grigoryan was in charge of all the seed trial plots that he carried out annually – for each variety, for over a two year period — on 14 trial plots in the seven growing zones of Armenia.  In his capacity, Mr. Grigoryan examined 496 seed varieties. He studied their characteristic and adaptability for every region of Armenia, prior to making any recommendation to continue with their use in the country.  He co-organized and participated in 295 training seminars and field demonstrations in over 320 villages in Armenia and Artsakh.  Grigoryan also represented ATG in attending international wheat conferences organized by International Wheat and Maize Improvement Organization (CIMMYT), International Center for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA) and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), held in Turkey, India and former Soviet republics to help bring the latest know-how to his country.

Due to his efforts, Grigoryan was partly responsible for helping propagate enough seed in Armenia, during its crucial early years of independence.  Once a farmer from Talin region had stated that most of the bread served at the Armenian dinner table and consumed by rich and poor alike had their roots in those seed trial plots.  In the following years, over 65% of the wheat seed sown in Armenia were the result of the joint efforts carried out by Grigorian and Mkerchyan.  Few times with the support of the US Embassy in Armenia, they helped save the people from potential famine.

“We were just in the process of identifying new seed varieties that are more drought tolerant and suitable for dry areas when we lost our friend.” said Mkerchyan mournfully. “We had to be forward thinking in order to reduce the losses that the growers in Armenia are facing due to the climate change.”

ATG lost a colleague and dear friend, one who had devoted himself to rebuilding the seed industry in his country. However, the loss is even greater for Armenia. The country lost an experienced and knowledgeable agronomist, one unmatched in his expertise and scientific approach to its seed industry. Did anyone notice?

Mekhitar was an unselfish, quiet person. He focused on his mission. He did not look to making headlines, but rather, behind the scenes, consistently devoted himself to his research. His objective was to insure that he was selecting and recommending the best seed varieties to the growers in each region, so they could harvest higher yield and provide for their families. Corporate Secretary, Margit Hazarabedian, Ph.D.  noted, “In order to match Mekhitar’s knowledge and dedication in the field of agronomy, Armenia has big shoes to fill.”

“He definitely was dedicated to Armenia and he definitely helped many, many people in Armenia with his work.  He will be missed by more than ATG.” said ATG Board Member, Dr. James P. Reynolds, DVM, MPVM, who last evaluated Mekhitar’s field work during his trip to Armenia, in Spring, 2019.

ATG carried out the research expenses and all the risks associated with the propagation of seed, and only after Mr. Grigoryan and his colleague, Mkerchyan, ensured the best seed varieties were suitable for producing the highest results in a given region – only then the duo made the seeds available to seed producers and grain growers.

“The need to secure Armenia’s grain consumption demands was one of his ongoing concerns,”  said Varoujan Der Simonian, Executive Director of ATG. “Recently, as we were assessing our future plans, together with Mekhitar and Gagik, we discussed the volatile region in which Armenia is located.  We concluded that, while other industries might be more resilient, grain demands would grow and be felt immediately, should any crisis place the country and its population in a vulnerable situation. This, of course, is very much what Armenia is facing today, when, in addition to the east and the west, the borders from the north and the south are closed also,” said Der Simonian.

“Yes, with heavy heart we hear the news that Mekhitar has died,” wrote Roger Culver, retired ATG In-Country Director in Armenia and long-term technical advisor.  “What a great colleague, friend and agronomist.  So many memories for me going back to 1994, especially those early seminars we did in the country villages.  He was a great help to me in presenting our program and technical information to the farmers, many of whom were first time farmers.  A side note, we were often invited to dinners after seminars and the ladies liked to have Mehkitar dance with them to real Armenian traditional music as he was a classic dancer. Mehkitar’s knowledge and skills as an agronomist were second to no one.  He was a consistent great help to me. He and Gagik have made a great contribution to Armenian agriculture.  ATG’s positive legacy in Armenia certainly includes Mehkitar.”

Mr. Grigoryan was born in the city of Kapan, Zankezour region of Armenia in 1949. He passed away on Friday, March 27, 2020 due to a heart attack while returning home from grocery shopping for his family in Yerevan, Armenia.  He was 71 years old.  He is survived by his son and two daughters, their spouses and grandchildren.

Job well done!  You did your part for your country, Mekhitar. Did anyone notice your devotion?  Rest in peace, dear friend and patriot. May your memory be blessed.
In lieu of flowers online contributions in his memory could be made through the ATG website.  Contributions will help continue Mekhitar’s legacy.

Contributor

Contributor

Next Post

Sarkis Tatigian, Longest-Serving Defense Department Civil Servant, Dies

Comments 1

  1. GARY PIGG says:
    2 years ago

    I met Mekhitar in 1999 when the US Embassy expressed a need for wheat seed to be purchased, prepared and delivered to the remote villages. I do not speak Armenian but I was able to rely of Mekhitar completely to get the job done. Our condolences to his family and friends. In God’s eternal love. Gary & Pam Pigg, Fresno, CA

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recommended

Russian Border Guards Set Up Checkpoints In Meghri

Russian Border Guards Set Up Checkpoints In Meghri

13 hours ago
Azerbaijan to Connect to Nakhichevan Through Iran

Azerbaijan to Connect to Nakhichevan Through Iran

13 hours ago

Connect with us

  • About
  • Advertising
  • Subscribe
  • Contact

© 2021 Asbarez | All Rights Reserved | Powered By MSDN Solutions Inc.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Community
  • Arts & Culture
    • Art
    • Books
    • Music
    • Theatre
    • Critics’ Forum
  • Op-Ed
    • Editorial
    • Opinon
    • Letters
  • Columns
    • By Any Means
    • My Turn
    • Three Apples
    • Community Links
    • Critics’ Forum
    • My Name is Armen
    • Living in Armenia
  • Videos
  • Sports

© 2021 Asbarez | All Rights Reserved | Powered By MSDN Solutions Inc.

Accessibility

Accessibility modes

Epilepsy Safe Mode
Dampens color and removes blinks
This mode enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode
Improves website's visuals
This mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode
Helps to focus on specific content
This mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode
Reduces distractions and improve focus
This mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode
Allows using the site with your screen-reader
This mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.

Online Dictionary

    Readable Experience

    Content Scaling
    Default
    Text Magnifier
    Readable Font
    Dyslexia Friendly
    Highlight Titles
    Highlight Links
    Font Sizing
    Default
    Line Height
    Default
    Letter Spacing
    Default
    Left Aligned
    Center Aligned
    Right Aligned

    Visually Pleasing Experience

    Dark Contrast
    Light Contrast
    Monochrome
    High Contrast
    High Saturation
    Low Saturation
    Adjust Text Colors
    Adjust Title Colors
    Adjust Background Colors

    Easy Orientation

    Mute Sounds
    Hide Images
    Virtual Keyboard
    Reading Guide
    Stop Animations
    Reading Mask
    Highlight Hover
    Highlight Focus
    Big Dark Cursor
    Big Light Cursor
    Navigation Keys

    Asbarez.com Accessibility Statement

    Accessibility Statement

    • www.asbarez.com
    • August 10, 2022

    Compliance status

    We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of circumstance and ability.

    To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level. These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.

    This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs.

    Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website’s HTML, adapts Its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by the blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments.

    If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email

    Screen-reader and keyboard navigation

    Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements, alongside console screenshots of code examples:

    1. Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website. In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels; descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups), and others. Additionally, the background process scans all of the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology. To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on as soon as they enter the website.

      These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.

    2. Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside of it.

      Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.

    Disability profiles supported in our website

    • Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
    • Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
    • Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
    • ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
    • Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
    • Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.

    Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments

    1. Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
    2. Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over 7 different coloring options.
    3. Animations – epileptic users can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
    4. Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
    5. Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
    6. Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
    7. Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.

    Browser and assistive technology compatibility

    We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers), both for Windows and for MAC users.

    Notes, comments, and feedback

    Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs, there may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to