Hero of Russia at HSPA KFU: On Military Duty and Patriotism

At the Higher School of State and Municipal Management of Kazan Federal University, Hero of Russia, commander of the training platoon for contract soldiers at Kazan Higher Tank Command Order of Zhukov Red Banner School, Rasim Baksikov, delivered a speech.

The event is part of the educational lecture series "About Tatarstan. From First-Hand," aimed at republican civil servants undergoing advanced training at KFU. The guest was introduced by Igor Privalov, the director of HSSMM.

According to the annual Address of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, to the Federal Assembly, the new management elite should primarily be formed from participants of the Special Military Operation. This meeting was organized in this context, where young civil servants learn firsthand about the hero's personal biography, the formation of his personality, and his heroic story.

Captain Rasim Baksikov, known as the commander of the tank crew "Alesha," engaged in an uneven battle with an enemy armored column in the Special Military Operation zone on the Zaporizhzhia direction and emerged victorious. He was awarded the "Gold Star" Hero of the Russian Federation medal personally by the President in 2023 during a ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory at the Battle of Kursk.

During the meeting, the speaker covered topics such as patriotism and patriotic education, humanitarian aid, and Russia's historical past. Recalling the battle that made him famous, Baksikov mentioned that he made the bold decision to take command independently.

"The thing is, there was no time to look for another driver-mechanic (the previous driver had been wounded), and I made the decision to take the controls myself," he shared.

He also focused on the necessity of patriotic education and enlightenment among children and youth in the country. According to Baksikov, patriotism is an acquired feeling, instilled from childhood, and the process of upbringing is systematic and comprehensive.

"First of all, ask yourself the questions: 'Am I a patriot?', 'Why do we need this?' (referring to patriotic education). We need this to preserve our statehood and our independence," explains the Hero of Russia.

He believes that schools should reintroduce basic military training, and military service should last two years, as it did previously.

"This is vitally necessary for our future," he insists.

Responding to a question, the serviceman compared the feeling of patriotism to the instinct of self-preservation. Speaking of his active patriotic activities, he noted that he could do much more, but "there's not enough time in a day, and batteries also run low sometimes."

He then outlined several themes that should be addressed primarily in reforms, including education, medical and pension provision for veterans, and others.

The meeting also recalled when Baksikov was awarded the state honor by the President of Russia. Recalling that moment with a smile, Baksikov told Vladimir Putin, "Take care of yourself, you are needed," to which he received the reply, "I try."

The event featured the head of the Department of Mobilization Training and Military Registration at KFU, Albert Gimaletdinov, who read a poem from his book "GWART-2 – Experienced Tankers," which also reflects the story of Rasim Baksikov's feat. In conclusion, he awarded the hero-tanker the medal "For Assistance to Participants of the SMO."

"Please, do not forget why you are in your positions. Strive to be professionals in the area you are currently in. Strive to improve the lives of our citizens. This is a requirement from us, the servicemen, and from me as someone who also lives in this republic and country," the Hero of Russia addressed the civil servants.