LA CRESCENTA–Under the auspices of Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, on the afternoon of Sunday, May 3, the presentation of Prof. Harut Barsamian’s memoirs “Resurrection with Cane and Shoe” took place at the Prelacy “Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian” Hall. The event was organized by the Western Prelacy Outreach Committee.
The program began with opening remarks by Chairman of the Outreach Committee Herair Jermakian, who gave a brief explanation on the objective of the Outreach Committee and the types of events it organizes throughout the year to foster the mission of the Prelacy. Jermakian then invited Executive Council Chairman and Master of Ceremonies Dr. Garo Agopian to the podium.
Dr. Agopian gave an overview of the momentous phases in Prof. Barsamian’s life, the details of which are recorded in the book, then invited the first speaker, renowned engineer and Professor Mihran Agbabian to present the book in Armenian.
In presenting the book, Professor Agbabian spoke of Prof. Barsamian’s life from his birth in Aleppo, to his move to Beirut, to the family’s repatriation to Soviet Armenia where the author and his family experienced overwhelming challenges under the oppressive regime, and his eventual settlement in America where he underwent a “resurrection”, becoming a sought after academician and professor of Engineering and Computer Science. Professor Agbabian noted that despite his struggles and disillusionment while living in Soviet Armenia, Prof. Barsamian remained and remains to this day a true patriot and continues to offer his assistance and contributes to the progress and prosperity of Armenia. He concluded by thanking the author for allowing readers a glimpse into his extraordinary life and experiences.
Dr. Agopian invited the next speaker, prominent aerospace engineer Dickran Barsam, to offer his remarks in English. Barsam outlined the hardship and misfortune the family experienced as repatriates in Soviet Armenia, including the author’s father’s exile and later the author’s exile to Siberia, noting the author’s optimism and jovial disposition amid that adversity and his eventual triumph and rebirth.
The program also featured musical presentations by sisters Armine Nerkararyan (violin) and Kenarik Nerkararyan (vocals), accompanied on the piano by Anna Vorovich.
Mary Terzian and Sarkis Mahserejian were subsequently invited to the podium to offer their comments on the book.
The program closed with the Prelate’s remarks and benediction. The Prelate acclaimed the author for his unwavering faith, optimism, and perseverance in rising above his physical disability and the unbelievable challenges he faced throughout his life to achieve his dreams and reach great heights. The Prelate further noted that through it all, the family retained their love of their homeland and Armenian heritage. In addition, the Prelate highly commended Prof. Barsamian for his devotion to the welfare of future generations of Armenian students as evidenced by his establishing the “Harut Barsamian Disabled Armenian Students Scholarship Fund.”
The program concluded with the Prelate’s benediction, after which the author met with the guests and autographed copies of his book.
