Vitebsk hosted solemn events dedicated to the 107th anniversary of the birth of an outstanding countryman – Pyotr Masherov.
The week of remembrance at VSU started today at the bust of the Hero of the Soviet Union and Hero of Socialist Labour, where a patriotic rally was held.
The First Vice-Rector of the university, Andrey Mekhovich, addressing the students and teachers, emphasized that Pyotr Masherov, as a legendary figure and wise leader, did a lot for the development and prosperity of our Motherland.
– He always recognized only the interests of society. Today we lay flowers at the monument as a sign of our gratitude and respect, and also in memory of the fact that his principles and ideas continue to live in our hearts, – stated Andrey Mekhovich.
Student of the Faculty of Humanities and Communications, Alexandra Kurzova, noted the importance of preserving the memory of the famous countryman.
– This is our heritage, and we must remember the past, because it is it that shapes our future. Pyotr Masherov had a direct influence on me, as I studied at a school that bore his name, – said Alexandra. – The "Masherovtsy" Leadership School continues to promote the ideas of the great countryman, and even after a hundred years, we remember him and annually hold a week of his memory at the university.
At the end of the event, participants honored the memory of Pyotr Masherov with a minute of silence, after which they laid flowers at his monument.
In addition, VSU hosted an open dialogue "Historical Chronicle. P.M. Masherov: Epoch and Fate". The event was organized by the "Spadchyna Vitebskoy Ziamli" Scientific and Educational Center, and its head, Head of the Department of History and Cultural Heritage, Candidate of Historical Sciences, Associate Professor Anatoly Dulov, acted as moderator.
The graduate of the university, chief specialist of the culture department of the regional executive committee, Candidate of Historical Sciences, Associate Professor Denis Yurchak, addressed the students of the 1st-2nd years of the Faculty of Humanities and Communications with a welcoming speech. He emphasized that Pyotr Masherov will forever remain in the memory of Belarusians as the beloved national leader of Soviet Belarus, who was always close to the people, lived by their interests and strived to help solve their problems.
Denis Yurchak also explained why the bust of Pyotr Masherov is installed on Zamkovaya Street in Vitebsk. He noted that the building of the Vitebsk State Pedagogical Institute named after S. M. Kirov was located nearby at one time. In addition, he clarified the confusion that arose with the birth date of our countryman, emphasizing that the only correct option is February 13 according to the old style (February 26 according to the new style), unlike the information presented on Wikipedia.