Opinions & Interviews

POLOTSK, 4 April (BelTA) – Belarusian Written Language Day gives a new impulse to the development of spiritual centers like Polotsk, BelTA learned from Belarusian Information Minister Lilia Ananich, who chaired a session of the working group in charge of preparing the celebrations in Polotsk on 4 April.

Lilia Ananich noted: “Polotsk is a sacred city for us, the cradle of Belarusian statehood. It deserves the closest kind of attention. Such cities, which act as the centers of our spirituality, history, and culture, acquire a new development impulse during celebrations and anniversary events.”

The Information Minister also took calls from citizens and heard out complaints, petitions, and suggestions directly from citizens in Polotsk on 4 April. Many of the questions were related to the celebration of Belarusian Written Language Day, the 500^th anniversary of book printing in Belarus, and the 1155^th anniversary since Polotsk’s foundation. “The personal involvement in preparing Polotsk for anniversaries and celebrations, people’s attention to the native city, and their desire to see it more beautiful are very important,” stressed Lilia Ananich.

The official remarked that the 1155^th anniversary of Belarusian statehood, the 500^th anniversary of book printing in Belarus, and jubilees of Belarusian literature classics will be in spotlight of Belarusian Written Language Day. “There is no doubt that all of them will be intertwined within the framework of development of Polotsk lands and the development of our entire country. A lot of events will take place in the center of the city. We expect a new memorial sign ‘Polotsk — the cradle of Belarusian statehood’ to be unveiled. The national contest of young reciters Live Classics will acquire a new status in Polotsk this year. Tryouts are already in progress in schools. They will be followed by elimination rounds in districts and then in oblasts. Children from all over the country will travel to Polotsk to read classic Belarusian literature works aloud,” said Lilia Ananich.