In a message marking the 10th anniversary of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, co-founder Ruben Vardanyan, currently held in a Baku prison under unlawful detention, shared his reflections with the Aurora community via his wife, Veronika Zonabend.
Vardanyan addressed the conclusion of his active involvement in the initiative and voiced hope that even if based in the United States, Aurora would continue to preserve its Armenian roots.
“First and foremost, thank you. Your faith, generosity, and trust made possible what once seemed impossible.
On the eve of Aurora’s 10th anniversary, I personally want to extend my deep gratitude to all the friends and benefactors who believed in the vision of launching a global humanitarian initiative born in Armenia, placed their trust in me, and offered their generous support. Their commitment sparked the flame that ultimately became the Aurora movement.
When our family first launched the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative and the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity in 2014, we envisioned an eight-year journey lasting until 2023, hoping Aurora would evolve into an international movement rooted in Armenia and driven by a mission of gratitude, to be carried forward by others.
Due to the pandemic, the timeline extended through 2024, culminating in the unveiling of a memorial statue in Yerevan dedicated to Aurora Mardiganian and the martyrs of the Armenian Genocide, a symbol of gratitude and hope. This event also marked the conclusion of my active involvement.
I am deeply grateful to Noubar and Vartan, who initially supported the initiative as co-founders. Special thanks to Noubar and his family for taking over leadership after 2023 and guiding Aurora into its next chapter.
I hope that even with its operations based in the United States, Aurora will continue to maintain its Armenian roots.
I thank all council and selection committee members for your dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to Aurora’s mission—for helping make it the unique phenomenon it has become.
At the heart of Aurora lies the idea of gratitude, a core human value. To echo the thoughts of St. Francis, I would stress that ‘gratitude gives birth to true joy.’ Indeed, active gratitude, or ‘Gratitude in Action’, is central to any healthy, compassionate community.
From here in Baku, I feel more inspired than ever by the Aurora Prize laureates and the broader Aurora community, people who serve others without seeking recognition or attention.
These tireless efforts embody the spirit of Aurora. You are true heroes, and from the beginning, the founders have hoped that many would follow your example.
On this 10th anniversary, I wish Aurora continued success, deeply believing that gratitude will go on being expressed through action,” the message concludes.
Prominent businessman and philanthropist Ruben Vardanyan has been held in a Baku prison since the fall of 2023, following Azerbaijan’s aggression and the forced displacement of Armenians from Artsakh.
