Tamás Sulyok presented Kossuth and Széchenyi Prizes and the Hungarian Order of Merit on the occasion of the 15 March national holiday

Our survival should not be taken for granted. We had to and must take action for it, using the means of law, the achievements of culture and the results of science - stressed President of Hungary Tamás Sulyok at the awards ceremony presenting the Kossuth and Széchenyi Prizes and the Hungarian Order of Merit medals on the occasion of the 15 March national holiday in the Parliament.

The line „Arise Magyar, your country calls!” is not a simple exclamation, but a continuous imperative that spans centuries, a command to fight for justice and freedom in times of disempowerment and oppression", stressed Tamás Sulyok, who said that "unusually, we Hungarians have made great and world-changing contributions right when we were engaged in struggles. We defiantly formed into ranks and became our own ramparts even when our bulwarks had already been demolished".

"We have learned to dance with our feet bandaged, and we have never stopped to rebuild the country, enrich our language and literature, strengthen our institutions and communities. Our scientists have always been at the forefront of innovation, even in the most difficult times", the President recalled, stressing that Hungarians were able to do so because their achievements have arisen from a life-giving source: Hungarian culture.

"Our culture is not only the key to our survival, but also a source of inspiration, an inexhaustible treasury of values that not only sustains us, but also inspires us to great deeds, dazzling creations and fantastic discoveries," the President added.

In his speech, Tamás Sulyok stressed that being Hungarian is a unique and special quality, and that Hungarians can only become part of universal history through their own culture and national characteristics. He added that the heroes of 1848-49 were able to rise to the heights commended by the whole world by first finding their own voice.

The work of the laureates strengthens the nation, but all can benefit from its fruits, he said, adding that the awards are a tribute to decades of perseverance and success, to the commitment and will of the human spirit, to talent and knowledge.

"As masters of your field, you have created something lasting, which will remain an integral part of Hungarian culture and scientific life for ever, and on which future generations can safely build," said the Head of State, who also pointed out that anyone with talent "must develop it to the highest degree, so that they can be of the greatest possible use to their fellow human beings. Because every human being is worth only as much as they can support and serve their fellow human beings and their country".

According to the President, "we who draw inspiration from our Hungarian identity have a duty. According to our talents and possibilities, we must contribute to the common national treasury, for the benefit of the people".

"But the events of 176 years ago remind us that we cannot succeed without the enforcement of the law," the President warned.