Activists rally in support of the cultural center's leader
In the picturesque village of Badamsha, the cultural centre "Birlikimiz Jarasqan" finds itself at the heart of a heated debate. The centre, known for its vibrant artistic ensembles like Kazakh "Ak Peyl", Slavianochka, and German Freude, has been a beacon of cultural diversity in the region.
The crux of the conflict lies in the potential dismissal of its artistic director, Lydia Ivanovna Uvarova, who has dedicated over four decades of her life to the cultural field. On August 11, a decision was made to terminate her contract, a move that was later communicated to her. However, the news of her dismissal has sparked concern among local residents and collective members, who fear that it could potentially lead to the closure of the centre.
Activists argue that without the guidance of Lydia Ivanovna Uvarova, the centre risks losing its essence and purpose. They have penned an open letter demanding that she not be dismissed, asserting that her departure could be the beginning of the end for "Birlikimiz Jarasqan".
Lydia Ivanovna Uvarova, who has been credited with founding all three vocal ensembles, is not only a respected cultural figure but also a cultural veteran. She has been awarded the "Eңbeк ardağerı" badge and the "Shapagat" medal for her significant contributions to the cultural field.
The Akimat of Karagandy district, however, considers the contract termination decision to be legal and solely age-related. They assure that the centre's activities will continue, and they are ready to cooperate with Lydia Ivanovna Uvarova in a mentoring and consulting capacity.
Despite this, the Akimat emphasizes that Lydia Ivanovna Uvarova is a respected cultural veteran and that her retirement was due to reaching the retirement age, which was communicated to her on February 5, 2026.
The future of "Birlikimiz Jarasqan" hangs in the balance, with competing interests vying for its preservation or potential reallocation. As the situation unfolds, Lydia Ivanovna Uvarova stands as a steadfast advocate for the centre's continued operation as a cultural institution.
The open letter penned by concerned residents and collective members of "Birlikimiz Jarasqan" argues that the dismissal of Lydia Ivanovna Uvarova could lead to a change in thecenter's lifestyle, potentially affecting its focus on fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, relationships, pets, travel, and cars, as these aspects have been integral to the center's offerings under her leadership.
Lydia Ivanovna Uvarova's contribution to the cultural field extends beyond the artistic ensembles, as she has also been instrumental in creating a unique cultural atmosphere where diverse perspectives intermingle, similar to a harmonious garden.
The Akimat's decision to terminate Lydia Ivanovna Uvarova's contract and offer a mentoring and consulting role might seem like a compromise, but it could potentially alter the dynamics of the center, much like a car's change in performance upon a shift in driver.
As the debate over the future of "Birlikimiz Jarasqan" continues, both parties – the Akimat and the activists – maintain the respect they have for Lydia Ivanovna Uvarova, who, as a cultural veteran, has set a precedent for diversified cultural events that cater to the lifestyle interests of a wide demographic.
