Film about Prof. Minko Balkanski A life dedicated to science and Bulgaria
February 21 12:30 – 1:30 PM
Balkan American Center 1451 E. Big Beaver Rd, Troy 48031
Admission: $10
From his birthplace in Bulgaria to Paris and his achievements
The film is in Bulgarian with English subtitles
Screenwriter and author: Vladina Tsekova
Prof. Minko Balkanski is a world physicist with an exceptional contribution to science.He was born in Bulgaria. He left Oryahovitsa, Stara Zagorje, for France at the age of 16 to fulfill his dream of becoming a world scientist.Today he is 98 years old and continues to be in shape and help talented children fulfill their dreams in science.He has achieved everything as recognition in his field and continues to think of Bulgaria with love.Prof. Minko Balkanski has not been able to return to his homeland for 50 years, but he remains connected to Bulgaria. He was followed by the services in Bulgaria at the time with attempts to return him to his homeland.From the moment the young Minko set foot in France, he received over 3,000 letters from his father, which he keeps to this day as his most precious memory.In the year when the professor’s return to his homeland became possible, he created a foundation with enthusiasm, will and love, with which he supports education and social activities in his homeland.The Foundation is a springboard for increasing the professional competence of computer science teachers, as well as supporting gifted Bulgarian children who have decided to devote themselves to physics, mathematics and computer science.In 2006, Prof. Balkanski also created a National Institute of Education in the village of Oryahovitsa, and then a summer violin academy, where prominent French teachers teach.He also created an international plein air of the fine arts. Prof. Balkanski financially supports over 140 schools in Bulgaria and donates computers at a time when this is almost impossible for educational institutions in our country. He also donates a large sum to the American University in Bulgaria.He has made a valuable contribution to the internationalization of Bulgarian science through the “Institute for Advanced Advanced Studies” and organizes summer schools in Sozopol.Every year, prominent world lecturers on current topics come to our country by personal invitation.The scale of his educational activities in Bulgaria is so great that it is a good reason for him to be called “the greatest benefactor in the field of education in our country.”His Bulgarian students currently hold leadership positions in some of the most prestigious scientific institutes and universities in the world, and a large number of them are professors.Prof. Minko Balkanski lives in France and has been a lecturer at some of the most prestigious French and American universities. He is the winner of the most prestigious international awards for achievements in science. He divides his daily life between Paris and his estate in Forges, Normandy and as he says he never has free time and is never bored.This true enlightener, awakener, benefactor, donor, scientist and extraordinary man, when he talks about his homeland and the people here, his eyes shine.
“I am a happy person. I come to Bulgaria mostly because of the communication with the people here.
When I was little, I really wanted to climb the rocks. They were steep and I couldn’t do it, but every day I told myself “I’ll do it tomorrow!” I have always strived to do things to overcome. To overcome yourself! This is my life!”
“I believe in reason, the pursuit of knowledge and the meaning of doing something for others”.
“The most important legacy left by my parents was to be a good person”.
“Communicating with the people here is the most pleasant to me and that is why I will not stop returning to Bulgaria as long as I am alive”
“VOLUNTEERING! Volunteer. Be altruistic! Serve and love yourself!”
“Being a professor is a service, it is a job, a title. I would like everyone to call me Minko.”
Shared by Prof. Minko Balkanski in the film