What does independence generation strive for?
The generation of independence is not afraid to speak freely about their beliefs and political views.
"I do not want to shout that I am free and independence under false pretences. Rather, I am trying best to contribute to the strengthening of my homeland," said Armine Hovhannisyan, a student of Northern University of Armenia.
She says all her friends are talking about educational programs that will allow them to continue studies overseas, and none of them wishes to return to Armenia.
"The young residents of the 20-year-old Armenia are seeking ways to leave the country because of the restrictions imposed on them by the state and its complicated customs. Independence is based on social conditions: if you have money you are independent, otherwise you depend on others," Armine said adding that she is independent in her actions and is free to put down her thoughts on the paper.
Armen Hovhannisyan, who studies in Yerevan State University, says he does not understand the essence of independence.
"I do not see the changes that independence gave to us," he said.
State Engineering University student Edgar Yenokyan says independence is a grandiloquent notion for Armenians which was achieved by bloodshed, at the cost of thousands of lives but never reached to ordinary citizens.
"It is a great achievement to live in an independent country. I cannot say what independence gave to our people because I have always lived in an independent country. But the complaints I have heard from my parents make me believe that we do not perceive independence as a privilege. I am not independent as long as I am surrounded by negative things," said Yenokyan.
"There are many factors that restrict my freedoms. I can enumerate them for hours. I cannot say whether we are free or not as "independent individuals of the independent county" are limited in their world outlook and mentality," he concluded.
