In his speech, during the presentation of the adapted “Deda Ena” by I. Gogebashvili in Variani, the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Minister - Mikheil Batiashvili emphasized the importance of the book to the nation and to its ultimate vitality to the survival of the Georgian language.

As the Minister noted, it is well-known that Gogebashvili's contribution to revitalization of the Georgian language as a result of this work, first published in 1875, is of paramount significance. The book has inspired Georgians to receive education through generations, which in turn consolidated the Georgian people through many years.

“In 1925, Gogebashvili's “Deda Ena” was last published in Soviet times. Since then, the new editions of the book were disregarded, which was an indoctrinated procedure of the authoritarian Soviet Regime. Unfortunately, for many reasons, this precious legacy could not be extended long after independence.

Only in 2013 did Iakob Gogebashvili's method of drafting the Georgian alphabet guide get the status of an intangible cultural heritage. This monument is an important part of UNESCO's nomination of the "Three Living Cultures of the Georgian Alphabet" as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity. This status implies the special care of the Georgian state for the preservation and development of the living tradition.

“Deda Ena” is not just a textbook. It is a guide that, has inspired generations. But most importantly, the book is not in essence a mere possession of one historical epoch. Undoubdetly, in modern times, the book has to meet the new demands and challenges. The principles and methods of updating these books, according to the modern times, have been conveyed in his will or in various publications, and today, for the first time in nearly a century, in full compliance with these principles, we have a book, at our disposal that goes on with Iakob's dignified path.

From the beginning of the new school year, an adapted “Deda Ena” texbook will return to our schools.

“Thanks to the genius of the original author, our children will still be literate, happy and cognizant of learning, taking the first steps in understanding the surrounding world, learning the love of their homeland and laying the foundation for good citizenship. That is why I believe the return of this significant book to schools is a historic event and I am happy that, I have had the opportunity to make a small contribution to this endeavor.” - said the Minister, who congratulated the public and thanked the people who worked so hard for it.