‎"We are convinced that when you do something good, it will lead to even greater good. That is why we spare no effort and gratuitous work," they share on the pages of the anniversary edition of "BG Ben", which was officially presented in Sofia on December 19. It features interviews with some of the newspaper's friends over time, including Raina Mandzhukova, head of the Executive Agency for Bulgarians Abroad, Metropolitan Anthony of Western and Central Europe, economists Nikolay Vassilev, Prof. Boyan Durankev, Svetozar Gledachev, Dimitrina Angelova - director of the Bulgarian National University "Boyan Maga", historian Prof. Plamen Pavlov, actor Vladislav Karamfilov and many others. We learn the story of the Bulgarian Maria Dimitrova, who travels an hour and a half to pick up each new issue of the publication. 

"This is a 20-year work that builds bridges between two worlds, bringing people together and quenching our thirst for our ancestral roots," shares psychologist Mirena Vasileva.

‎"It is not easy, it has been very difficult to survive these 20 years, because the newspaper is generally supported by advertising and in fact we also subsidize it. Conceptually, it was a business project at the beginning, which changed into something completely different – ​​into an ideal, a place where you can share what worries you or what you need. One example is Maria, who travels two hours to see the newspaper. I recently spoke with another woman at the Bulgarian embassy, ​​who at the beginning of her emigrant life waited on Thursdays to receive the newspaper, which helped her leave the work situation she was in. Through the advertisement in the newspaper, she succeeded and this changed her life and she managed to survive in England, to find a job, to make the step from the smaller town in England to London. Every such story gives us the self-confidence to move forward. Yes, distribution is difficult. The newspaper is free – we are adamant about this! There is no way we can ask people for money. We distribute it in Bulgarian businesses, Bulgarian shops, in places where compatriots gather – at the embassy, ​​at events. This is part of our efforts to keep the community alive", says Severino Kozhuharov.

He gives an example of his colleagues with whom they have similar businesses: "We are competitors outside the newspaper, but here we work as a team and this is an example of a dialogue that can be conducted in Bulgarian society, i.e. the newspaper is a unifier." 

"Wherever we can and wherever someone orders it. We send it by mail so that people can receive it in paper form. Others read its digital version, and through Facebook and the web page we try to make it accessible to everyone everywhere. Step by step next year we will have a renewed website that will be competitive in the new digital world," explained to Radio Bulgaria Severino Kozhuharov, who was a special guest on Radio Bulgaria's Bulgarian-language podcast "Bulgaria Today".

"This is perhaps the event of the year that unites people, us as immigrants, to help with something that will remain long in the future. There, I truly know that the Bulgarian state is helping to build a jewel, which we expect, God willing, to be ready at the end of February - on the 23rd, if I'm not mistaken. It takes a lot of effort from many people, many obstacles, but things are going well and we will be blessed with a unique place where we can share joys and sorrows." 

The newspaper's active participation in the life of the Bulgarian community in the United Kingdom has been highly appreciated by the Executive Directorate for Bulgarians Abroad, which supported the publication of the anniversary magazine of "BG Ben", and the executive director Raina Mandzhukova presented an honorary plaque to the Bulgarian newspaper "BG Ben" through Severino Kozhuharov. 

"Bulgarians abroad are sentimental, we live in the past and we have a huge need for spiritual food. We are like some kind of Bulgarians from the old days who preserve these Bulgarian letters and that is why the newspaper is still published on paper, people need it," Mr. Kozhuharov told Radio Bulgaria

Photos: Elena Karkalanova, private archive, Executive Agency for Bulgarians Abroad