Nicolae DABIJA, Moldova. Vice President

Nicolae DABIJA, Moldova. Vice President

1948, 15th of July
In Codreni village, Cainari district (not far from the locality where Alexei Mateevici, the singer of “Limba noastra”, came into the world) Nicolae Dabija, poet, publicist and politician, was born. Parents: Trofim Ciobanu, peasant with a “library”, Cristina Dabija, peasant (is descended of priests, her brother Serafim Dabija, superior at Zloti monastery and her cousin, priest Nicodim Onu, being condemned in 1947 by People’s Commissariat of the Ministry of Interior, within the same process, to severe years of prison for the “anti-Soviet activity”. The archimandrite Serafim Dabija was deported because of the grave “crime” for “having built a monastery for anti-Soviet purposes”. He studied at the primary school in the native village (1955-1959), but left incomplete secondary school in Sagaidac village (1959-1963) and secondary school in Cimislia town (1963-1966).

1965
He begins working for the newspaper “Tinerimea Moldovei” with a cycle of poems eulogistically presented by literary critic Mihai Cimpoi.

1966-1972
He studies at Moldova State University, faculty of Journalism (in the III year he is expelled for “the pro-Romanian and anti-Soviet activity”, after it, in 1970, Dabija begins to study at the faculty of Philology, the same university).

1972
After graduation from the university, the young writer is employed as an editor at the Chisinau’s Television Youth editorial office.
1975
The Publishing House “Cartea Moldoveneasca”, publishes the first book of poetry entitled suggestively Ochiul al treilea, which will extend over all generation of the seventies’ writers being called by the literary critique Generatia “Ochiul al treilea”. Nicolae Dabija works for the journal “Nistru” (later “Basarabia”) as chief of the section Poetry and Critique.

1977
Dabija is the winner of the Prize of Youth of Moldova for the volume of poetry Ochiul al treilea. With earned money the writer has built a well in the village where was born, named “the Dabija’s well”. He founds and leads the literary society “Dialog” of Writers Union. In the same year, has appeared “Tretie oko” (volume of poems) printed at the Publishing House “Molodaia gvardia” (Russia), which was highly appreciated by Valentin Kataev, Russian Writers Union secretary.

1980
“Apa neinceputa” volume and “Povesti de cind Pasarel era mic” (book for children) have appeared at the Publishing House “Literatura artistica”.

1982
The author has received the International Festival prize for “Young Poetry” ( Schwerin, Germany).

1983
Dabija has published the volume of essays about the classics of the Romanian literature “Pe urmele lui Orfeu”, based on documents and historical data collected from the archives of Moscow, Kiev, Lvov, Harkov, etc. The censorship qualifies the book as “harmful”, because it is one about “priests” and “feudal lords”, which was saved by the president of Writers Union, Pavel Botu, who has prefaced it.

1984
He contributes to the creation of the journal “Orizontul” (later “Columna”) which was a journal of young writers. Nicolae Dabija is its first editor-in-chief.

1985
The Publishing House “Literatura artistic” has printed “Zugravul anonim” volume of poems. At the same time, “Poezie moldoveaneasca contemporana” has appeared, a volume of poems translated into Russian entitled “Stihi” (Poems).

1986
In the month of May Dabija is elected by the VII the Congress of Writers Union of Moldova to be editor-in-chief of the weekly “Literatura si Arta”, which will become the flame of the national revival movement, the most expected and read journal in the history of Moldova, reaching a circulation of 260 000 copies in 1990. Being one of the “literary publications with the biggest circulation from Europe” (it has mentioned in French newspaper “Figaro”, which has outlined that “Literatura si arta” had played in the Revolution of Bassarabia National Revival the same role which had played the Romanian Television within the Revolution of December 1989). The known success of Chisinau’s journal brings a “psychological war” between this one and the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Soviet Union which makes attempts to “moderate” it, to forbid it.
“I scazala mne Jar ptitsa” (“Pasarea Maiastra”) book for children has appeared translated into Russian by Alexandr Brodski.

1987
A real cultural event is constituted by the appearance of “Antologia poeziei vechi moldovenesti” which Nicolae Dabija has translated from Slavonic, Greek, Polish, Latin, which has discovered in the archives of Russia, Ukraine, Poland, etc. The poet holds conferences on radio and television about national history, forbidden up to then in Bassarabia, published later in the republican press (especially in “Noi” journal for children, under the heading “Din tata-n fiu. Capitole din istoria Moldovei”). In the same year, at the invitation of the Writers Union from Romania, Dabija crossed for the first time the river Prut and visited Putna, Ipotesti, Humulesti, Voronet, Gura Humorului, Suceava, Iasi.

1988
Nicolae Dabija is the winner of the State Prize of the Republic of Moldova, field Literature and Arts for the books “Antologia poeziei vechi moldovenesti”, “Pe urmele lui Orfeu” and “Alte povesti de cind Pasarel era mic”. The writer is a member of the State Committee for language problems, which leads the discussion on returning to Latin alphabet and the necessity to legalize the Romanian language as the official language in the Republic of Moldova. Dabija is one of the animators of the National Liberation Movement, of People’s Front from Moldova. The literary manifestations with Dabija’s participation were transformed, in the same period, into meetings of protest against the totalitarian-Soviet regime. The song “Cit traim pe acest pamint” (ballad) on lyrics of Nicolae Dabija (music Tudor Chiriac) had become in 1988-1990 the anthem of the National Liberation Movement of Bassarabians, which was being sung by almost one million of participants in the Greatest National Meeting of August 27th , 1989, who were claiming for the right to speak Romanian Language, to write Latin Alphabet and National Dignity.

1989
“Aripa sub camasa” volume of poetry was considered the best book of the year. It was republished in 1991 at the Publishing House “Junimea” from Iasi, with a preface by Constantin Ciopraga. This book brought high appreciations to the poet in Romania. At the Publishing House “Molodi” from Kiev, the volume mentioned above has appeared into Ukrainian language translated by V. Zatulaviter, He is elected deputy of the people of Soviet Union in the last union legislative forum (1989-1991). In the same year, Dabija is elected to be Honor Citizen of Harrisburg city, Pennsylvania (SUA).

1990
The Publishing House “Hyperion” has printed the documentary study “Moldova de peste Nistru – vechi pamint stramosesc” also translated into Russian. The edition also enjoyed a deep resonance beyond the borders of the Republic of Moldova. During the armed conflict from Nistru (1992), the volume is taken away from the libraries and bookshops of Transnistria by the separatists and is publicly burnt. The writer is elected deputy in the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, where he performs a permanent the activity for national emancipation of Bassarabian, for the withdrawal of Bassarabia from the Soviet empire, for legalizing the Tricolor, for restoring the rights of Romanian language, history and Romanian identity. Dabija is elected president of the voluntary society “Limba noastra cea romana”.
1991
He takes part in improving the quality of scholar manuals. In collaboration with Sofia Bolduratu Dabija has elaborated “Literatura romana pentru clasa 5”(class book) fourth edition. The writer together with Aurelian Silvestru havepublished a cycle of manuals of history for primary classes “Daciada” also translated into Russian. Dabija becomes president of the Association of Science, Culture and Arts from the Republic of Moldova.

1992
Dabija has published “Domnia lui Stefan cel Mare” historical essay “Nasc si la Moldova oameni” collection of stories. In the same year, the poet wins Ion Creanga Prize for the best book for children. The Writers Union from the Republic of Moldova has published “Poezii de duminica” collection with “Mierla domesticita” booklet of poetry. Dabija is the winner of the Great Prize for Poetry “Nichita Stanescu”.

1993
Nicolae Dabija is elected a member of honor of the Commission of Church History from Romania for the volumes “Pe urmele lui Orfeu” (1983) and “Antologia poeziei vechi moldovenesti” (1987). The Publishing House “Hyperion” prints the volume of poetry “Dreptul la eroare” which obtains in the same year the Writers Union Prize from the Republic of Moldova. The Congress of Intellectuality from the Republic of Moldova takes place where Nicolae Dabija presents the basic report. The poet is elected president of the Intellectuality Congress.

1994
The Publishing House “Junimea” from Iasi has published “Lacrima care vede” volume of verses. Nicolae Dabija is the winner of the Bibliophiles Prize for the best book of the year.

1995
The writer is the winner of the Romanian Academy “Mihai Eminescu” Prize for “Dreptul la eroare” volume. “Poeti romani contemporani” collection and “Oul de piatra” poetic anthology have published in Bucharest. Dabija is elected to be Cavalier of the Order of the Republic of Moldova which he will return in 2002, as a sign of protest against the actions of communization of the society and undermining the democratic values by the governing party. In 1995, 1996, 1997 he becomes the winner of the Top “10 journalists of the year”, organized by the Press Club from Chisinau.

1997
The Publishing House “Scrisul Romanesc” (Craiova) has printed “Libertatea are chipul lui Dumnezeu” collection of publicism which has brought the author the Prose Prize “Gib I. Mihaescu”. The Publishing House of the Writers Union has published “Stefan cel Mare si Sfint” album.

1998
Dabija is elected deputy in the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova and will represent the legislative forum of the Republic of Moldova at the Parliamentary Meeting of the Countries from the Basin of the Black Sea (APCEMN). The Publishing House “Minerva” from Bucharest has printed “Fotograful de fulgere” volume of poetry, being prefaced by Eugen Simion, president of the Romanian Academy. In the collection Autograf, published by the Municipal Library B.P. Hasdeu from Chisinau, has appeared “Cercul de creta” collection, comprising autograph texts and drawings of the author. At the Publishing House “Litera” has appeared “Cerul launtric” anthological collection of poetry. The Foundation “Scrisul Romanesc” from Craiova has published “Icoana sparta, Basarabia” volume of essays. The Publishing House “Helicon” from Timisoara has printed “Intre dragoste si moarte” and “Poezia, bucuroasa tristete” volumes of poetry.

1999
The Foundation “Scrisul Romanesc” from Craiova has published the third volume of publicism and essays, entitled “Harta noastra care singera” which brings the Writers Union Prize from Moldova. The Publishing House “Edit-press” from Galati has published “Taceri asurzitoare” volume of poetry.

2000
Nicolae Dabija is the winner of “Titu Maiorescu” Prize given by the Lawyers’ Association of Romania. The poet becomes Laureate of the Prize for Literature, for 2000 year within “Gala Iurie Matei”. Dabija is given the Governmental Medal of Romania “Eminescu. 150 ani de la nastere”.
The president of Romania, by the Decree number 567 of December 1st , 2000 confers the order “Steaua Romaniei” with the rank of Knight Commander for the remarkable poetic work and for the involvement for promoting the Romanian spirituality.

2001
The Foundation “Scrisul Romanesc” from Craiova has printed other two volumes of publicism and essays, entitled “La est de vest” and “Vai de capul nostru!”
Dabija together with the pedagogues Sofia Bolduratu and Maria Hadirca have elaborated “Literatura romana” book for the VI form, which has appeared at the Publishing House “Litera”. In the period of October 10th and 23th , 2001 on the initiative of the American Cultural Center “In Their Own Words” from Northern Carolina (USA), the poet took part in many cultural manifestations by the occasion of launching the volume of poetry “Photographer of lighting” (Fotograful de fulgere), which has appeared at the Publishing House “The granit press” from Hickory, Northern Carolina, translated into English by Maria S. Simonca and Dr. Rand Brandes. The Bassarabian writer had meetings with the students of the University of Chapelle Hill, of the College Lenoir-Rhyne from Hickory, with personalities of the Romanian Diaspora from Washington, Atlanta, Raleigh, Hickory etc.

2002
The Publishing House “Litera” has published the volume “In cautarea identitatii. Istoria neamului romanesc din Basarabia povestita de elevi”, which enjoys a high appreciation and an edition of 100 000 of copies. Nicolae Dabija is the winner of the prize of the Writers Union from Moldova for the volume “In cautarea identitatii”. The Publishing House “Prut International” publishes the collection of lyrics and drawing “Aschii de stele”. In the same year, has appeared the volume of essays and articles “Insemnari de pe front”, printed by the Foundation”Scrisul Romanesc”.

2003
On July 21st Dabija is elected to be a Member of Honor of the Romanian Academy. The Publishing House “Litera” prints his collection of poems “Doruri interzise”, republished in 2004. Later on, the Foundation “Scrisul Romanesc” from Craiova, prints his book on publicism “Riul in cautarea marii”. At the same time, in the USA, the volume “ Vlackibird once wild, nom tame” (“Mierla domesticita”) has appeared at the Publishing House “Be Movie Press” from Providens, translated into English by John Flynn. Also, the anthology “Singular destinies” has been translated into English by Adam J. Sorkin.

2004
The Publishing House “ Prut International” prints the book for children, entitled
“Bondari cu motor”. The Foundation “Scrisul romanesc” publishes the volume “Basarabia- tara de raspintii”.

2005
The writer is elected the president of “Forul Democrat al Romanilor” of the Republic of Moldova. It is a nongovernmental organisation of culture and justice, that has joined more than 150 cultural organizations, unions of creation and others nongovernmental associations. In 2008, this nongovernmental organization has above 200 000 members and it has branches in Ukraine, Russia, Israel, Italy, Serbia, Latvia, Georgia. Among the activities of this organisation takes part the adhering petition of the Republic of Moldova to become a member of the European Union, which included more than 200 000 signatures.
At Ploiesti, it has appeared the book of poems “Fulger inrourat”. The Foundation “Scrisul romanesc” publishes the volume of essays “Bezna vine de la rasarit”. In the same year, Nicolae Dabija is the co-author of the “Limba si literatura romana” for the VI class book.

2006
Nicolae Dabija is the winner of the prize of “Sfintul Gheorghe” poems given at the International poems Festival from Uzdin (Serbia). He took part at the international conference “Stiinta si credinta” being invited by Papa Benedict XVI from Vatican.
2007
The “La musa nuova” volume, translated into Italian by Amedeo Carocci, has been realeased by the Italian Writers’ union.Maria M. Simonca (USA) writes and publishes “Photographer of Lightning” dissertation based on his literary creation. In the same year, “De ce limba noastra e romana” volume has been released at the Forul Democrat al Romanilor’s first congress from the Republic of Moldova. Nicolae Dabija is the founder of pupils and students’ Poezie Patriotica Festival . The Foundation “Scrisul Romanesc” publishes “Paznic pe inaltimi”, which contains editorials and essays.
2008
The Publishing House “Scrisul Romanesc” from Craiova prints “Destarati” volume of essays and at Rimnicul-Sarat, the Publishing House “Rafet” edits “Maraton printer gloante” collection of poems. Nicolae Dabija is elected the head of the European Forum for literary magazines in Balcic, Bulgaria. The Writers’ Union from the Republic of Moldova, has offered him the ” Opera Omnia” prize for his entire creation. At the same time, has appeared “Poezie si publicistica. Interferenta limbajelor” monography, which was written by Nina Corcincshi and which describes Nicolae Dabija’s creation.
2009
The “Tema pentru acasa” novel is printed at the Publishing House “Edit Pres” in Iasi, “Hotii de sperante” book on publicism is published at the Publishing House “Vicovia” in Bacau., “Mesaje pentru supravietuitori” book on publicism is edited at the Publishing House “Scrisul Romanesc” and “101 poems” volume at the Publishing House “Biodova” in Bucuresti.
He has received “Nichita Stanescu” Prize at the International Poems’ festival in Sighetul Marmatiei, Romania. Nicolae Dabija, receives the Honor Prize given by the Republic of Moldova’s president for “a sign of appreciation for his contribution to the process of national revival”. Also, the Writers’ Union from the Republic of Moldova has awarded “Pirghia lui Arhimede” Prize “for promoting science and innovation in mass- media”.
2010
In May, the high school from Pinzareni, has decided to name it “Nicolae Dabija”. Nicolae Dabija is the founder of “Grigore Vieru” International Poems’ Festival.
“Mihai Eminescu” International Academy gives the prize for “the best book of the year” for “Tema pentru acasa” novel and “Denaster” prize for prose. The same novel is elected to be “the book of the year”.
The “Tema pentru acasa” novel has been proposed to be read within “Chisinaul citeste o carte” compaign and has been chosen “the most popular book in the last ten years”, which had more than 100 000 readers. Nicolae Dabija has obtained the Excellence Prize of “Sarbatoarea poeziei” Festival in Iasi. The Academy of High Studies from Romania confers Doctor Honoris Causa title and honorific title of academician “as a sign of high appreciation and respect for the entire literary activity”.
2011
“George Bacovia” University from Bacau (Romania) confers Member of Honor of the Academic Community title “as a sign of recognition to promote the Romanian arts worldwide”.
Culture Ministry of the Republic of Moldova gives “Constantin Stere” prize for “Tema pentru acasa” novel. During the Cultural week in Ontario, Canada, Nicolae Dabija is elected to be the president of Forul Democrat al Romanilor de Pretudinteni. The writer also receives the National Prize for “ the entire literary activity”. Technical University of Moldova confers Doctor Honoris Causa title. “Pirghia lui Arhimede” Prize offered by the Writers’ Union from Republic of Moldova is again obtained by the author. In the same year have appeared the following volumes: “Poeme pentru totdeauna, opera poetica” (Princeps Edit), “Tema pentru acasa” (the third edition, Literatura si Arta), “Tema de dupa tema de acasa”(essays, Princeps Edit), “Povesti de cind Pasarel era mic: Batalia de la Nuiaua unde mi-am pierdut luleaua” ( poem for children, Bastina), “Povesti de cind Pasarel era mic” (poem for children, Feed-Back), “Aschii de stele” (poems, Sprinten Informar), “Privighetori impaiate” ( Gens Latina).
2012
Petru Rares Lyceum from Soroca confers “Teacher of Honor” title. Lucian Blaga International Festival (XXXII edition) offers the prize for “promoting the Romanian cultural values”. It has appeared “Faclia credintei. Mesaje din Basarabia” (Ploiesti Publishing House) book on publicism and “Prutul are doua maluri” (Babel-Vicovia Publishing House). In the same year, was republished the fourth edition of “Tema pentru acasa” novel. On December 12th, Nicoale Dabija is chosen to be corresponding-member of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova.
2013
The Publishing House of “Literatura si Arta” from Chisinau prints “Nu va indragostiti primavara” volume of novels. It was proposed to be read within “Republic of Moldova reads a book” compaign for 2013 year. “Nu va indragostiti primavara” is selected to be “ The book of the Year” and receives “The most popular book of the Year” prize. “Poezia anilor ’70: Nicolae Dabija si generatia sa” monography has been written by Elena Tamazlicaru. Publishing House “Tabula fati” from Italy, printed “Poesia e amore” (volume of poems) translated into Italian. It has appeared the fifth edition of “Tema pentru acasa” novel. The Publishing House “Detectiv Literar” from Bucharest edits “Psalmi de dragoste” collection of poems. The International Book salon from Chisinau offers “Omul Cetatii” prize for “Mesaj de Unire” volume of essays. The Publishing House “Europress” prints “Drumul spre biserica” book. Nicolae Dabija is elected Member of Honor of “Mihai Eminescu” International Academy. In the same year has appeared a CD which contains Nicolae Dabija’s poems (N. Caranfil and N.Jelescu are reading the poems). “Titel Constantinescu” International Festival offers a prize for Dabija’s literary creation and it edits “Umbra sirmei ghimpate” book of essays. The Moldavian writer is chosen to be “Citizen of Honour” of Ipotesti village, the place where Mihai Eminescu was born, also in Dumbraveni, Vorona and Botosani (Romania). The president of Moldova confers “Om emerit” title to Nicolae Dabija.
2014
It has appeared the second edition of “Nu va indragostiti primavara” book of novels.
The International poems’ Festival from Triese (Italy) offers the biggest prize.
Cultural Association “Regal D’Art” publishes “Taceri talmacite-n cuvinte” book of poems.
The Romanian president Traian Basescu confers the order “ Meritul Cultural”.
2015
The Publishing House “Avangard print” from Sofia ( Bulgaria) prints “Tema pentru acasa” novel, entitled “Basarabia, moi liubovi”. The Publishing House “ Detectiv literar” (Bucharest, Romania) releases the third edition of “Pe urmele lui Orfeu” book of essays. At Baia Mare, Romania, Nicolae Dabija has received the Prose Prize. The same Prize is given at “Mircea Canceacov” Festival in Bacau, Romania. In Brazil, Eduardo Jose Dergazia translates into Portuguese the book of poems entitled “Poemas”. The USA government offers “Medalia Libertatii” for “Flori alese din poezia americana” anthology translated and selected by Nicolae Dabija. The International Centre of Poems from Recanati (Italy) awards “Giacomo Leopardi” prize and at the International Poems’ Festival from Fontana I Liri, Dabija receives Poem Prize.
“Clessidra” volume is illustrated and translated into Italian by Vincenzo Bianci. The “Tema pentru acasa” novel is translated into French (“Devoir render”) and it is printed in Paris.
In Skopje (Macedonia) has appeared “Poezija” volume which was translated into Romanian, English and Macedonian. In the same year,at the International Poem Festival from Struga (Macedonia), Nicolae Dabija receives “Sceptrul Poeziei” prize for “ the most important foreigh writer” for “Poezija” volume.
2016
The novel “Devoir à rendre” is nominated for the “Prix de l’autre Edition” Prize, being considered one of the most widely read novels in 2015.
At the “Bestseller” publishing house, the 7th edition of “Homework” appeared.
At the Publishing House for Literature and Art appears the eighth edition of the novel “Homework” reaching a total circulation of 50000 copies sold and over 500,000 loans in the Republic of Moldova’s libraries.
At Ulan Bator is elected Member of the Mongolia Academy of Poetry and Culture.
The University of Oradea (Romania) awarded him the title Doctor Honoris Causa
He becomes president of the “Sfatul țării 2”, a non-governmental association that proposed unification of the Romanian nation.
At the “Literary Detective” publishing house in Bucharest he sees the third edition of the volume of essays “On the Footsteps of Orpheus”.

2017
In the US, the novel „Resurrection from Hell appears” (the English translation of „Homework”), translated by Nicholas Andronesco, to the Lumina Publishing House in Stamford (USA) in the Love story collection.
At the International Dance Festival of Havana (Cuba) is awarded the Grand Prix “Dulce Maria Loynaz”.