site.btaProminent Figures in Culture, Education and Science Receive President's Badge of Honour

President Rumen Radev awarded the Presidential Badge of Honour to figures in the field of culture, education and science on Thursday at a ceremony in the Coat of Arms Hall in the building of the presidential institution. 

"On behalf of the entire Bulgarian society, I have the privilege to express my deep respect for your dedication to patriotic and socially significant causes, as well as your devotion to the spiritual progress of Bulgaria", the President said in his address. "All of you, no matter in what field you work or what age your are, are an important and integral part of Bulgaria's spiritual strength," he added.

Bulgarian musician and composer Vasil Petrov was awarded for his significant contribution to the development and popularization of contemporary Bulgarian pop and jazz music. The award is also on the occasion of his 60th anniversary, as well as for the celebration of 30 years of his career.

Viktor Lilov, who is among the most successful Bulgarian Olympiad competitors in natural sciences, was honoured for his achievements in natural sciences and gold medals won at the prestigious International Biology and Chemistry Olympiads, as well as the International Mendeleev Olympiad.

Vladislav Katsarski, founder, producer and general director of Braille FM radio, was awarded for his significant contribution as a journalist, poet, writer, playwright and public figure to the development of contemporary Bulgarian culture, as well as for his overall creative and active civic activity towards the integration of people with visual impairments in Bulgaria.

Kiril Petsev was honoured for a significant contribution to the development of Blagoevgrad as a cultural centre, as well as for his active work as a journalist, publicist and public figure and on the occasion of his 70th anniversary.

Bulgarian folk singer Ruska Stoimenova was awarded the Presidential Badge of Honour for her role in preserving the singing tradition and folk songs from the Macedonian folklore region, as well as for merits in strengthening and developing the cultural heritage of Bulgaria.

Dr. Hajar Fiouzi was awarded for her significant contribution as an established teacher of Persian language and a scholar with high scientific achievements and academic merits to the development of Iranian studies in Bulgaria, as well as on the occasion of her 90th birthday.

Vasil Petrov thanked the President for the honours on behalf of all awardees.