"BOOKGUARD" Reading Challenge: National Guard Servicemen Have Read More Than 4,000 Books

"BOOKGUARD" Reading Challenge: National Guard Servicemen Have Read More Than 4,000 Books

13.07.2026 13:52:34 302

he BOOKGUARD literary challenge continues across the National Guard of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Since the beginning of the year, participants have read more than 4,000 books. The most active readers are conscript servicemen, who account for over 2,000 of the books completed. Contract servicemen and officers are also actively participating in the initiative.

One of the participants is Zhasulan Nurzhanuly, a serviceman of Military Unit 5573 in Astana. The 19-year-old guardsman, who was drafted from Shymkent, has been passionate about reading since childhood. Even during his basic military training, he managed to read two books.

Zhasulan is currently reading "The Day Lasts More Than a Hundred Years" by Chingiz Aitmatov. According to him, the fate of the novel’s main character highlights the importance of resilience, responsibility, and strength of character—qualities essential for every serviceman.

A special place on his reading list is occupied by "Ushkan Uya" ("Our Family Nest") by Bauyrzhan Momyshuly. The story of the legendary commander’s childhood inspired the young guardsman to reflect on the crucial role of family and upbringing in shaping a person's character.

After completing his military service, Zhasulan plans to pursue higher education and take part in the Srоchnik 2.0 educational program. He uses his free time to combine military service with self-development through reading.

The BOOKGUARD reading challenge was launched on April 6 of this year at Military Unit 5574 of the National Guard in Turkestan. It has since expanded to National Guard units across the country, promoting a culture of reading and encouraging lifelong learning among servicemen.

 

Press Service of the National Guard

Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kvv/press/news/details/1251908?lang=ru