Since March 1, 2016, the people of Kazakhstan have been celebrating the Day of Gratitude. Exactly five years ago, this holiday was established by Elbasy – Nursultan Abishevich Nazarbayev in honor of the Day of Formation of the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan. 
Our country has become a meeting place for hundreds of nationalities and nationalities. The greatest value of a person, the strengthening of democratic principles, strict observance of human rights, our reputation in the international framework are the fruits of years of independence. 

In the harsh times of the last century, the Kazakh people, who do not consider each other strangers, who shared their small housing, a small kitchen, are infinitely grateful to representatives of other nationalities. We are grateful to the patriots of the Republic of Kazakhstan who came out of them and work in the interests of the state and the people. 

The past year has been very difficult and deplorable for humanity. Millions of people on earth have died from coronavirus infection. In some countries, there is a difficult situation when a corpse cannot be buried. Unfortunately, the epidemic has not spared Kazakhstan. About 270 thousand Kazakhstanis fell ill with coronavirus and pneumonia with symptoms of coronavirus, more than 3 thousand of them died. 
On the eve of the Day of Gratitude, Kazakhstanis express their sincere gratitude to the medical workers who, on the eve of this epidemic, protected the health of the people at the forefront and served as guards of their health. 

Special attention is paid to the citizens of the country, including people who are sweating for the population during the aggravation of the epidemiological situation. 

Even in the conditions of a pandemic, the work of state institutions did not stop. With the support of the Ministry of Culture and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, together with the Union of Writers of Kazakhstan, a contest "The best work for children"was held. In a difficult time, many writers took part in the competition organized in support of children's authors. 
We thank Aktoty Rakhmetullayevna for supporting the contest aimed at implementing the initiative of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on the development of children's literature!

On the first day of spring, I would like to thank the representatives of all spheres who serve the people day and night. 
The staff of the National State Book Chamber expresses its gratitude to the leadership of the state, the leadership of the industry, the collectives of related institutions, figures of literature, culture and art, publishers and authors!