Dilnoza Primkulova, a specialist at the Uzbekistan Metallurgical Plant ("Uzmetkombinat"), has been awarded the prestigious State Zulfiya Prize after reciting her original poem about the hard work of metallurgists during a meeting with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The Tashkent province governor office announced the honor.
Primkulova works at Uzmetkombinat's casting and rolling complex in Bekabad. During the president's official visit to the city, she shared that the enterprise employs 1,145 young specialists, including 123 women.
She noted that an additional 71 young professionals were sent to training centers in Italy to upgrade their skills. There, they learned how to operate advanced machinery and are now actively applying that expertise back on the production floor.
Primkulova also briefed the president on the operations of the complex, which produces hot-rolled steel coils—a crucial material utilized in automotive manufacturing, railcar construction, and various other industrial sectors.
During their conversation, the young specialist confessed that she had dreamed of becoming a Zulfiya Prize laureate since childhood and had been writing poetry for years. Upon learning of the president's visit, she penned a poem dedicated to the occasion and asked for permission to recite it (the translation from Uzbek follows below).
"My hands converse with roaring fire,
We breathe life into cold iron every single day.
We serve each rising building and soaring structure.
Cities are transformed, and my blooming land is reborn.
May my Uzbekistan flourish,
Steadfast and proud, strong as iron.
Metallurgists are the children of fire,
Their resilience and strength forged in labor.
And today, I know that my own hand
Has helped lay the foundation of this Homeland."
Following her performance, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed making an exception to award Dilnoza Primkulova the Zulfiya State Prize on the spot.
"Considering that Dilnoza balances working in heavy metallurgy with writing poetry, I will issue a directive to Sirojiddin Saidov [the Chairman of the Writers' Union of Uzbekistan]. What do you all say if we award her the Zulfiya Prize as an exception? I will sign the decree myself," the President said.
He also drew attention to the fact that 123 women work at the heavy industrial enterprise.
"This is an act of true courage. Our established poets are sitting right here with us. I would be deeply grateful if you, too, drew inspiration from this and wrote poems about Dilnoza. Once I sign the decree, we will hold an official award ceremony alongside Bakhodir Abdullaev [the Director General of Uzmetkombinat]. This will serve as an inspiring example for our other young women. Dilnoza, my congratulations to you, and thank you for your bravery," Shavkat Mirziyoyev concluded.
Shortly after, the President signed the corresponding executive decree. Dilnoza Primkulova was formally awarded with the State Zulfiya Prize during a ceremonial event at the Tashkent province governor office.
The ceremony was attended by Senate Chairperson Tanzila Narbaeva, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairperson of the Committee for Family and Women Dilnoza Kattakhanova, the Tashkent province governor Zoir Mirzaev, and prominent public figures.
Dilnoza Primkulova expressed her profound gratitude to the President for his trust, stating that the honor bestows an even greater responsibility upon her. She pledged to continue her career in metallurgy, dedicating her knowledge and experience to the further development of the nation.
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