“When he came to Artsakh, I knew him as Ruben Vardanyan. Before that people wondered why he should leave everything and go to Artsakh, what he would do here, what purpose he was moving for. In short, he was treated with distrust. But when I met him, you know what surprised me? His loyalty, his responsiveness, the kind of person he is. Anytime I approached him, he was available to listen, discuss and help. One of the guys told how during the blockade he carried his pregnant wife in his arms to the hospital. I won’t forget how Ruben Vardanyan reacted. It was a shock for him. He immediately came up with the idea of finding electric cars and using them for that purpose. Remember, he helped run a canteen that was used by over 600 people daily, and those who could not go to the canteen had their lunch brought to their homes. And you know what’s interesting? Ruben Vardanyan personally conducted classes with young volunteers who helped with these issues. He said that education is the foundation of everything. He gave great intellectual values to the youth. Before the war he visited our village, Poghosagomer in Mardakert district. There is a church of the Holy Savior there, and he wanted to see it. People gathered, said what they needed (this was in August), he ordered to prepare wood stoves, because he looked ahead and knew that the blockade would last a long time. I have never met such a person who gave so much and took nothing, and he only gave to us, even gave up his family for the sake of Artsakh. He gave everything”.