"We discussed the BRSM with the President, and raised problematic issues." Vitebsk youth about the meeting with Lukashenko at the celebration of the Komsomol anniversary

The Komsomol anniversary was celebrated in the capital of Belarus. And 50 representatives from our region, including both Komsomol veterans and current youth, were invited to the meeting with the President of the country. "VV" correspondents asked them to share their impressions of communicating with the head of state and to talk about what the Komsomol cause means to them today.

Maria Solovyova, “First Vice-Queen Spring” of the International Inter-University Competition of Grace and Artistic Skill “Queen of Spring – 2018”:

Photo by Dmitry OSIPOV

– Since childhood, I dreamed of seeing the President of Belarus in person and communicating with him; he has always been an authority for me. And now my dream has come true; I sat next to Alexander Lukashenko at the meeting with him. Of course, I was nervous. But he is so open that all anxiety quickly disappeared.

We talked with the President about the BRSM, discussed problematic issues: for example, how to protect modern youth from destructive influences and prevent the development of extremism. Alexander Grigoryevich noted that it is necessary not just to agitate schoolchildren to join the ranks of the youth union, but to involve them in active activities, to interest them and distract them from harmful influences.

Ivan Savchenko, a student of PSU, commander of the student team "Eureka":

Photo from the personal archive of Ivan Savchenko

– This trip was a complete surprise for me. This meeting provided a great communication experience. What was especially surprising was that we, the youth, found common ground with Komsomol veterans who were also members of student teams.

The connection between generations at this event was very strong, which could not but please us. We also realized that the student squad movement is relevant not only in our university. At one time, there was a question of whether to revive it, and current practice shows that the resumption of this trend was justified.

We would also like to emphasize that for PSU students, being in a student squad is prestigious: last year, the competition for a place was four people. We select students for the squad based on their academic performance and the activity with which they participate in the life of their alma mater. After all, young people do not just work during their holidays, but are the face of Belarus, and the actions of individuals will be judged by the city and the country as a whole. 

"Vitebskiye Vesti".