Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 7 December (BelTA) – The Belarus-Russia Union State’s literary contest of young authors reflects their spiritual search, Belarusian Information Minister Alexander Karlyukevich noted at the awards ceremony of the Union State contest of young authors “Bridge of Friendship” in Minsk, BelTA informs.

The contest shows that short forms have found their place in Belarus and Russia, and the number of participants is growing year by year, the minister said. The contest reflects the spiritual search of young people and their vision of the world. The Belarusian and Russian literature develops in a partnership. The contest is supported by Russian and Belarusian literary periodicals. Young authors’ works belong to the system of values and formats declared as the basis of the Union State, Alexander Karlyukevich added.

In his words, the Union State Standing Committee has taken a really professional attitude to this sublime project.

Belarusian First Deputy Culture Minister Irina Driga also congratulated the winners of the contest. She stressed that being an author is a responsible and difficult mission. Literature has always formed the mindset of generations, and it is not easy to continue creative traditions. Irina Driga expressed hope that the winners of the contest will continue the best literary traditions, enlighten their readers, and get a foot in the door in literature.

Over 150 works were submitted to the contest in 2016. The council of experts reviewed some 100 of them. The contest was organized by the Union State Standing Committee in cooperation with the association Conoscere Eurasia and Belarus’ National Press Center. The jury selected six winners from Belarus and six from Russia.

The awards ceremony was held in the National Library of Belarus.