President of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj presented this year’s Order of Chinggis Khaan medal to State Honored Artist and opera singer G.Ariunbaatar at the Government Palace on National Pride Day, which took place on October 31, 2016. It’s become a tradition to award the Order of Chinggis Khaan medal on National Pride Day, a national holiday to celebrate the birth of Chinggis Khaan. The honor is presented to one person who has contributed greatly to strengthening Mongolia’s independence, sovereignty, and national unity, or for studying Mongolian statehood, history, culture, and tradition in depth, and relaying their knowledge to younger generations and promoting it worldwide. “Our pride in our ruler is our history, heritage, independence, and freedom. Chinggis Khaan is the peak of our Mongolian pride. Proud countries make strides for development. Highly notable people have received Chinggis Khaan medals previously, including P.Ochirbat, N.Bagabandi, R.Gonchigdorj, and D.Demberel. We should be proud that an ordinary herder’s son has built a reputation in the world of classical music. The International Tchaikovsky Competition is judged by people from every corner of the world. Under such strict considerations, Mongolian G.Ariunbaatar won the Grand Prix, which was a miracle, yet G.Ariunbaatar stays modest,” President Ts.Elbegdorj said, commending G.Ariunbaaatar before presenting him with the medal. Wearing his new medal, G.Ariunbaatar expressed his gratitude to those attending the ceremony. “I’m deeply honored to receive the state’s highest award, the Order of Chinggis Khaan, on Chinggis Khaan’s birthday. There are so many people I’d like to share this honor with, including my parents, mentor, and colleagues.” He added, “Opera is the highest ranking human art. The fact that I’m able to be on one stage with renowned geniuses is all thanks to my parents, teacher, and my homeland. Whenever I go on stage, I become proud of my country and receive strength from it. Thank you everyone. I can’t describe how happy I am to be Mongolian. My home country is a paradise.” G.Ariunbaatar's mother D.Byambasuren[/caption] G.Ariunbaatar’s mother D.Byambasuren commented on her son’s achievement after the award ceremony. “I’m so happy that the state is recognizing young people’s efforts and encouraging them to do more,” she said. “My son has aspired to become a singer since he was a child. He would ride his horse while humming and singing along the way. He was very active and clever. As a family, we have been supporting his dreams even to this day. He worked hard to fulfill his dreams. My son was able to come this far thanks to his great mentors.” The young opera singer flew to Moscow in the evening to prepare for performing in the opera “Tosca” on November 3, at the Bolshoi Theatre. He is expected to start touring the Republic of Korea and Germany on November 4.