In his greeting address President Rüütel said that the work of Paul Ariste, as a teacher and scientist, had everlasting fruits. ''Researching and teaching many languages and cultures, he contributed towards their conservation,'' the head of state said. ''With his scientific and pedagogical activities, Academician Paul Ariste made a major contribution towards preservation of the Finno-Ugric languages, so that they would not disappear,'' the President of the Republic noted.
President Arnold Rüütel highlighted the role of Paul Ariste in preserving and studying the vanishing Votian language and culture, but also his role as an initiator of the conferences of Finnougrists.
According to the head of state, Paul Ariste radiated intellectuality and excitement that inspired many of his students. ''His humane warmth and openness could not remain unnoticed, and he himself never remained indifferent towards others. I think that in today's Estonia, this is something we should learn from Ariste,'' President Rüütel stressed.
The President of the Republic expressed his wish that we all spoke as beautiful mother tongue as Paul Ariste used to do, and had the same willingness to understand each other.
Public Relations Unit of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, February 3, 2005
