Reading | 3 min 
Welcome to the series #EVERYDAYHEROES in which we introduce exceptional members of our network. Through pop culture, we discovered that heroes fly, have superpowers, come from another planet, and wear capes and costumes, but there are other, real heroes. Heroes we are surrounded by every day, who raise their voices in times of injustice and fight for the rights of all of us. Who look the same as us, who express their superpower by fighting every day for a better and democratic society. Everyday heroes, that we have to talk about. Follow us on our Instagram to catch the next interview among the first ones.
Another Everyday Hero is Rufat Baghirov from Azerbaijan.
Can you introduce yourself?
I’m Rufat Baghirov from the Republic of Azerbaijan. I am a student at the Azerbaijan State University of Economics. I am an economist, I like to read articles about the economy and do research. That is why I am one of the members of “Easy-Peasy Economics”, a community of Azerbaijani economists. Apart from doing economics, I also do mobile photography and growing plants (I have only 6 plants so far)
What do you consider your biggest success?
I think the biggest of my successes so far is the data visualization platform “Topograph”, where I currently work. I am the co-founder of “Topograph“. I consider this activity to be my greatest success because we are the first data visualization initiative established by civil society in Azerbaijan. Together with my team, we are mainly engaged in creating infographics. Our goal is to form an objective, accurate, and impartial database for the population of Azerbaijan, to increase their access to transparent data. We have been working in this field for more than a year. We will launch our new website in the coming days.
What does the word DEMOCRACY mean to you?
For me, democracy is one of the greatest values of humanity. It is possible to develop by creating democratic foundations in our daily life, politics, and economy. Democracy can solve all problems. I think this is a very important element, especially in the region where I live. Democracy is also the basis of civil society and civic participation.
Who do you consider your Everyday Hero and why?
For me, an everyday hero is anyone who fights for democratic traditions, international values, and freedom in their communities and societies. Everyone can contribute to the world with their skills. Sometimes in this struggle, many of us face obstacles and difficulties. The important thing is not to give up the right values that we believe in. My daily hero is my history teacher Azer. Thanks to him, I learned to learn, fight for ideas and develop.
What does the concept of Everyday Hero mean to you?
For me, the concept of the everyday hero is the name of those who take simple but great steps and try to change the world for the better. Just as when we look at the past, we recognize heroes by their deeds, in the future, today’s heroes will be loved by their deeds. In my opinion, people are born for a purpose. Sometimes you can contribute to the development of the world just by meeting a student and mentoring him in a way. Real heroes love sharing, justice, and freedom.
Why did you become a member of EDYN?
EDYN is one of my favorite networks. Here I can develop myself in the direction of my favorite values. Although our meetings gather people with different ways of thinking, and different political and ideological views, we can have discussions with ease. And I feel that we can be helpful to the people here. I love variety. So is the EDYN family. Different people work for society, for democracy. Besides, EDYN means both career opportunities and steps toward peace for me. I am happy to be here with my skills and knowledge.
