This Monday, in the Municipal Assembly Hall, the presentation of the book “Raíces del alma” took place, written by Antonio Cipriano Luján, a 72-year-old Concordia resident and resident of the “Juana Sarriegui de Isthilart” Nursing Home. The work gathers a poetic and existentialist perspective on life, and constitutes a testimony of sensitivity and creativity that transcends generations.
The event was organized by the Municipality of Concordia, through the Nursing Home Coordination, and featured broad participation from family members, residents, institutions, and local authorities.
This cultural project was made possible thanks to the joint work of the Head of the Department of Senior Citizen Policies, Gladys Portugal, the Coordinator of the “Graciela Cutro” Municipal Children's and Youth Library, Patricia Jaluf, and the Coordinator of the Provincial Nursing Home, Andrea Chirino, who accompanied Antonio in the editing and publication process of his work.
“Thank you for your example and for your work,” remarked Mayor Francisco Azcué, addressing the author of “Raíces del alma,” acknowledging that “artists, whether they are writers, poets, or musicians, have that gift or talent of being able to capture or develop things based on their life experiences, using different tools. Life today has a very dizzying pace, and being able to access these cultural works allows us to see things in a different way.”
In this context, Gladys Portugal highlighted: “This book is much more than a literary work; it is proof that our senior citizens have much to contribute. Antonio reminds us that there is always time to dream and carry out projects that transcend.”
For her part, Andrea Chirino expressed: “From the Nursing Home, we seek for every resident to feel accompanied and valued. This work reflects how, with support and care, initiatives can emerge that enrich not only those who live in the Home, but also the entire community.”
Likewise, Patricia Jaluf underscored: “The Municipal Library proudly took on this challenge of accompanying Antonio in the editing of his work. We believe in the transformative power of reading and writing, and this book is a living example that culture is a bridge toward integration and inclusion.”
In a very emotional moment of the day, Antonio Cipriano Luján himself took the floor and expressed: “I never imagined that at my age I would be able to see a dream like this come true. I wrote these pages thinking about my life, about what I learned, and about what I am still discovering. I want to thank those who accompanied me and gave me the opportunity for my voice to reach others. If my book manages to move even one person, it will have been worth it.”
The ceremony was attended by the Vice Mayor, Magdalena Reta de Urquiza, the Secretary of Productive Development, Eng. Federico Schattenhofer, the Undersecretary of Development and Entrepreneurship, Gabriel Enguelberg, the Undersecretary of Education and Culture, Carlos Gatto, National Deputy Nancy Ballejos, Provincial Deputy Carola Laner, council members, and other authorities.
With this presentation, the municipal administration reaffirms its commitment to generating spaces for participation, expression, and cultural development, where every story and life experience can become a valuable contribution to the entire community.