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A solemn ceremony of opening a new auditorium and library named after Artsakh hero Robert Abajyan took place on Saturday at the rehabilitation center for wounded soldiers in Yerevan which is affiliated with the State Medical University of Armenia.

Abajyan’s grandpa, Gevorg Abajyan, was present at the ceremony, who told reporters the family accepted the suggestion to name the facilities after his grandson with condition the name will symbolize the memory of all the soldiers fallen during the April Four-Day war in 2016.

Rector at State Medical University Armen Muradyan addressed the attendees of the ceremony, stressing the date is significant as the centre building meets its 100th anniversary with a new library and auditorium. “The first auditorium opened is named after Robert Abajyan who sacrificed his life, yet defended the dignity of his nation,” Muradyan said in his welcome remarks, adding the initiative came to life due to the generous support of the Armenian American Medical Society of California.

The newly opened library will be enriched with books soon. As Muradyan informed the first 50 books were donated by the Ambassador of India to Armenia. The event as attended an Indian student of the medical university who performed as a tribute to the Armenian nation and its culture.

Deputy Minister of defense Gabriel Balayan, present at the event, stressed the role of the Diaspora in protecting the motherland. “I feel great pride to stand by servicemen treated at this centre,” he said, noting the initiatives taken at the Rehab centre serve to the benefit of the state.

To note, Abajyan fought for several hours against special forces groups of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces during the April Four-Day war in 2016. After finding himself alone and against larger enemy numbers, he showed as if he was giving up, however when Azeri groups were approaching he pulled out a grenade and blew up the approaching Azeri soldiers with himself.
Abajyan was posthumously awarded with "Hero of Artsakh" which is the highest honorary title of the Artsakh Republic. Abajyan is the youngest person to be awarded the title at 19 years old.