On the occasion of October 1 — Teachers' and Mentors' Day, yet another unforgettable event took place in the life of our institute.
There are moments in a person's life that cannot simply be assessed as a festive event or an award ceremony. Because behind such moments lies years of labor, search, patience, responsibility, concern for the fate of one's students, and love for the institution where one works.
This year, our institute embarked on just such a meaningful initiative — the "Pride of the Institute" recognition badge was established in order to honor teachers and mentors who have served sincerely and selflessly for the prosperity of the institute. At the festive event, the first six holders of this badge were solemnly announced.
This is not simply the establishment of a new badge. In my view, through this, a very important value in our institute — a culture of valuing and recognizing selfless labor — is being further strengthened.
I accepted, with great excitement and deep responsibility, being one of the teachers deemed worthy of this first recognition. Because for a teacher, the greatest reward is not having their name mentioned or a badge pinned to their chest. The greatest reward is seeing their labor continue in someone's life, in a student's scientific or professional achievement, and in the development of their institute.
In this sense, I accept the "Pride of the Institute" badge not only as recognition of past years' labor, but as great trust and responsibility given for future work. After all, the word "pride" itself not only brings joy to a person, but also poses a question: "How will you continue to prove worthy of this trust?" I believe true recognition begins with precisely this question.
An institute is not merely a collection of buildings, lecture halls, laboratories or documents. An institute is the people who are not indifferent to its fate. Someone contributes to the institute's development through their scientific research, another through their teaching skill, another through their students, and another through their responsibility, initiatives and dedication in management. Every teacher has their own place in the institute's history.
Therefore, I view the name "Pride of the Institute" not as the personal achievement of six individuals, but as a symbol of respect for all the teachers and mentors who have worked honestly and selflessly at our institute over the years. Those deemed worthy of this recognition today are only its first holders. I am confident that in the future, these ranks will grow, and many more of our institute's dedicated, enterprising teachers, who are making a worthy contribution to the development of science and education, will be found deserving of this recognition.
Being among the first holders of this badge holds special meaning for us. Because being "first" in history is, on one hand, an honor, and on the other hand, a responsibility to open the way for those who follow. This recognition shown to us concerns not only our institute's present, but also its future. For this reason, I consider this award to be a new responsibility placed upon my heart.
Further enhancing our institute's scientific potential, supporting young educators and researchers, introducing modern educational technologies, harmoniously developing science and education, and most importantly, leaving behind a worthy scientific-pedagogical school for the generation that follows us — these are among the most important tasks for us, the teachers.
On the occasion of today's holiday, I sincerely congratulate all teachers and mentors. Teaching is not a profession — it is, first and foremost, a responsibility. Teaching is not a position — it is a destiny. Teaching is not only about imparting knowledge — it is about being involved in a person's growth and development.

May each of our labors be valued, may our students' achievements be our greatest reward, and may our scientific and pedagogical pursuits serve the development of our institute. As I accept the "Pride of the Institute" badge today, I express my gratitude to all my colleagues, teachers, students, and the entire team who have always placed their trust in me, who stand behind this recognition. This recognition is not an ending. It is another responsible step toward new milestones. For true "pride of the institute" is manifested in the worthy contribution we are making to our institute's present and future.
I congratulate you all on October 1 — Teachers' and Mentors' Day!
Respect for the teacher is respect for knowledge.
Valuing a teacher's labor is valuing the future.

Najmiddinova Xilola Yokubjanovna, Professor at the Department of Intellectual Sciences and Information Technologies, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor.