Great Patriotic War: To Remember and to Take Pride

70th Victory Day celebrations took place at KFU on April 30th, including a solemn march and a rally.

Prime Minister of Tatarstan Ildar Khalikov and Rector Ilshat Gafurov started by laying flowers at the Musa Calil's monument on the 1st of May Square. After that the pedestrian cavalcade moved along Kremlyovskaya street to the famous “frying pan” – students' favorite resting ground in front of the main university building.

A motorcade consisting of students' cars and local motorcycle clubs' bikes drove through the street waving flags of Russia and KFU. Photos of fallen ancestors were held by students who formed the “Immortal Regiment” also marched in front of the rally which gathered hundreds of students, faculty and guests. 210 military-clad students (210 is the current age of the University) forming a battalion marched in front of the main building as well. War veterans were, of course, the most honored guests of the celebration.

Dr. Gafurov expressed his profound satisfaction with the fact that the University's young generation cherishes the memories of the Great Patriotic War. “By holding this celebration we clearly show our unity in the face of all adversities”, - Rector said. The selected format will now become traditional for the Victory Day celebrations at the University.

Prime Minister Khalikov, who is a KFU alumnus, added: “We are gathered here to pay respects to those who 70 years ago won their right to choose their own destiny and freed all of Europe. Our duty is to make sure that our current students and young educators know everything about their forerunners' unparalleled heroic deeds during the War. I can witness that KFU has achieved very much in this regard. The students take part in many national and republican events dedicated to the Victory Day. This rally is a great example of such an activity”.

War veteran Vladimir Smirnov's speech became the high point of the celebration. “I am very happy to see your young faces! This is a moment where one understands that all the hardships, deadly encounters and battle wounds were not in vain”, - said the Patriotic War Order decoration holder.

In conclusion students released 70 white doves (symbolizing the anniversary) and 1 418 red balloons (symbolizing the number of days in the War).

After adjourning the rally Ildar Khalikov, Ilshat Gafurov and faculty members planted trees in a newly established Rector's Garden. Flowers were laid in front of memorial plaques commemorating members of the University staff who lost their lives defending the country during the Great Patriotic War.