Making up the shape of Mongolia, 3,333 general education students gathered at Sukhbaatar Square on April 5 to simultaneously recite “Independence” poem written by D.Purevdorj.

President of Mongolia Kh.Battulga came to watch the recital of the children dressed in colorful deels. Children in primary schools reportedly practiced the 16-verse poem for three months. Teachers of Oyunii Undraa Complex, who organized the event, emphasized that the event had nothing to do with setting a Guinness world record and explained that it was aimed to promote patriotism among children and teach them the value of independence.

This is not the first time a large number of people gathered at the Sukhbaatar Square for a specific cause. In 2011, 999 morin khuur players performed at Chinggis Square in an effort to deepen people’s interest in national music, especially morin khuur, and in 2013, 1,000 students held an anti-smoking demonstration.

After writing “Independence” poem, Labor Hero and People’s Writer D.Purevdorj was prohibited to publish his poems and novels for his patriotic views but after several rejections by the Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Party, the poem was accepted for a state prize following the public support.