In a solemn festive atmosphere, and in commemoration of the glorious October victories, and within the framework of the keenness of the General Command of the Armed Forces to cooperate with Zagazig University to develop the spirit of loyalty and belonging among the university's youth, and under the patronage of His Excellency Major General A.R. Osama Abdel Hamid, Commander of the Popular and Military Defense Forces, and His Excellency Prof. Dr. Khaled El-Drandali, President of Zagazig University, the university hosted the 77th Armed Forces Cultural Symposium today, Monday, November 25, 2024 AD, in the Grand Conference Hall at the University Stadium, which coincided with the celebrations of the Golden Jubilee of Zagazig University and the fifty-first anniversary of the glorious October victory. The symposium was organized by the Popular and Military Defense Forces at Egyptian universities and institutes, in cooperation with Zagazig University, and sponsored by His Excellency Prof. Dr. Ihab El-Beblawy, Vice President of the University for Graduate Studies and Research and Acting Vice President of the University for Education and Student Affairs, and His Excellency Prof. Dr. Ahmed Anani, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Advisor to the President of the University for Student Activities, and Advisor to the Minister of Higher Education for Health Policies.

The symposium was attended by His Excellency Prof. Dr. Jihan Youssef, Vice President of the University for Community Service and Environmental Development Affairs, His Excellency Prof. Dr. Hilal Afifi, Secretary General of the University and Dean of the Faculty of Commerce, His Excellency Major General Mohamed Ali, Assistant Commander of the Forces for Universities, Military Advisor Major General Staff Wael Saber, and Major General Dr. Staff Samir Abdel Ghani, in addition to a large number of military, security and executive leaders in Sharkia Governorate, in addition to deans and vice deans of colleges and faculty members.

The symposium was opened by Lieutenant Colonel Sameh Taha, who presented the martyr's salute, then Ms. Rawd Al-Hanfy continued presenting the symposium segments, which began with a sweet recitation of verses from the Holy Quran by student Ahmed Sami.

In his speech, His Excellency Prof. Dr. Khaled El-Drandali, President of Zagazig University, praised the role of the Egyptian Armed Forces in maintaining the security and stability of the country, stressing the importance of cooperation between the military and academic institutions to enhance national awareness among young people. In conjunction with the October celebrations and the university's golden jubilee, El-Drandali stressed the achievements made by Zagazig University in various fields, pointing to its effective role in serving the community.
For his part, Major General Osama Abdel Hamid, Commander of the Popular and Military Defense Forces, conveyed the greetings of the military leadership, stressing the importance of the role of youth in building the nation and facing challenges.
In a related context, the importance of spreading awareness among young people to confront extremist ideas and protect the nation from dangers was emphasized.
The symposium included many wonderful artistic segments that stimulate the sense of belonging and embody the true meanings achieved by the great October victory, in addition to the university's folk arts team's show segments.
The symposium also witnessed the presentation of high-end artistic performances led by the Department of Music Education at the Faculty of Specific Education, under the patronage of His Excellency Prof. Dr. Hani Helmy, Dean of the College, under the supervision of His Excellency Prof. Dr. Reham Ehab Zayed, Professor and Head of the Department of Music Education, and led by Dr. Heba Abdel Karim. The students of the department participated in presenting a distinguished musical operetta that expressed the spirit of victory and the glory of October, and was well received by the audience who praised the high-level artistic performance that reflected the level of creativity among the students. In a statement by His Excellency Prof. Dr. Hani Helmy, Dean of the Faculty of Specific Education, he stressed the importance of the university's role in enhancing national awareness, noting that the college's participation in this majestic event reflects its keenness to develop a sense of belonging among students and contribute to promoting national values. He added: "These celebrations are not just occasions; rather, they are stations to consolidate the values ​​of loyalty and belonging in the souls of our students, and enhance their pride in their homeland and its glorious history." For her part, Prof. Dr. Reham Ehab Zayed, Head of the Department of Music Education at the Faculty of Specific Education, stated that the department's participation in the national celebrations represents part of its academic and artistic mission in promoting national identity, saying: "What our students presented today is an embodiment of high-end art that expresses feelings of pride and belonging to the homeland. They succeeded in transforming melodies and tunes into a sublime message that reflects the greatness of the October victories and the spirit of sacrifice that distinguished the Egyptian people and its armed forces. This distinguished performance demonstrates the ability of art to be an effective tool in building national awareness and enhancing belonging among young generations." The symposium concluded with honoring the families of martyrs and people of determination, and the exchange of shields between the university president and the commander of the popular and military defense forces, followed by the national anthem of the Arab Republic of Egypt. Thanks were extended to all participants and organizers by the university leadership and the armed forces, emphasizing the importance of continuous cooperation between academic and military institutions to promote national values ​​among young people. May God protect Egypt, its leadership, people, and great army.