Opinions & Interviews
Lukashenko names reasons for meeting with Vitebsk students
VITEBSK, 2 September (BelTA) – The young generation of Belarusians will need to move along Belarus’ historical path in a world that is changing at breakneck speed, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at the Q&A session titled “Open Microphone with the President” at Vitebsk State University on 2 September, BelTA has learned.
“Today is a special day for your university. Not only because the president has come (although this does not happen often). Unfortunately, I have not been to your university before. Considering that we have fifty universities and other educational institutions, it is not so easy to visit them all during the presidential term. There is also another reason [for the visit],” noted Aleksandr Lukashenko.
The head of state recalled that at the February meeting with rectors he had given an instruction to schedule visits to universities located in the capital city and in the regions. “Secondly, the time has come to have a serious conversation with you - the generation that will continue the historical path of Belarus in a rapidly changing world. The world has changed, events are happening fast, the pace is supersonic,” the president said.
“You would agree that today we look at yesterday's innovations as museum items. It's not just about science, technology, the real sector of the economy. This also concerns the social sphere and human relations. But the problem is not about speed. It is about countries and peoples being dragged into a race for the possession of technology. Nothing new. We have seen this all before, with little differences,” Aleksandr Lukashenko noted.
The head of state is confident that the ‘open microphone’ format will give an opportunity to discuss all the issues of interest with students and hear fresh ideas and proposals from them that may be useful for the country.
The president explained why he chose Vitebsk State University named after Piotr Masherov for this visit. The head of state had never been there before. “I am glad that our meeting is taking place right now when we mark the 80th anniversary of Belarus’ liberation from the Nazi invaders. Your university holds a special place in our history,” Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked.
Three graduates of the university were awarded the high title of Hero of the Soviet Union. Those were Konstantin Abazovsky, Mikhail Vysogorets and Piotr Masherov, after whom the university was named.
“I am glad that you honor the memory of your predecessors, maintain the continuity of generations, traditions. I would really like you to remain one of the best universities in the country, and not only in the country, but also in neighboring countries. You have tremendous potential, and I think you can significantly improve when it comes to education, research and work with students,” the Belarusian leader believes.
The president congratulated undergraduate and postgraduate students on Knowledge Day. The head of state noted that this holiday set into motion the entire country, including Vitebsk.
“More than a million schoolchildren and about 500,000 college and university students are going to school. In fact, today we will start living according to the new academic calendar. Perhaps, university and college students no longer feel that much excited about the beginning of a new academic year or semester. But you are adults. I am sure that, looking at the little ones with bouquets of flowers, each of you gets a warm feeling recalling your school days,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko.
He wished that this academic year would be exciting, filled with new discoveries, positive emotions, and the joy of meeting interesting people. “Soak up knowledge and learn new skills, so that in just a few years you will become professionals in your field of study and have a good life,” the president told the youth.
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