On September 7, students from Mashero University, as well as VSU administration and faculty, joined the online broadcast of the plenary session of the youth forum «The Role of Youth in Preserving and Protecting Historical Memory». The forum was organized as part of the «Youth for the Union State» festival, which is taking place in Mogilev and is timed to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the Soviet people's victory in the Great Patriotic War.

Historians from Vitebsk State University named after P.M. Masherov are personally participating in the festival events: Alexander Petrovich Kosov, Associate Professor of the Department of History and Cultural Heritage, and Elizaveta Petrovna Shramuk, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Philosophy and Social Sciences.

The forum became one of the festival's platforms, facilitating the rapprochement of Belarusian and Russian youth and the discussion of issues such as patriotism, the preservation of historical truth, the strengthening of friendly ties between the two countries, and youth policy as a foundation for further cooperation between the cultures and peoples of fraternal countries.

Milana Bogatyreva, student Faculty of Mathematics and Information Technology:

Young people play a key role in preserving historical memory. Every young person has a responsibility to honor, remember, and respect their loved ones, the history of their small homeland, and the entire Fatherland. It's important to actively participate in significant events and commemorative dates, such as Independence Day, Victory Day, Constitution Day, National Unity Day, as well as patriotic car rallies and other social and cultural events.

As Mashero students, we initiate many projects ourselves: we create intellectual games for important national holidays, actively participate in construction teams within the BRSM, and form creative groups. These projects are supported, meaning our voices are heard! Indeed, our Belarus offers many opportunities; we simply need to be proactive and creative. And when the youth of Belarus and Russia join forces, it's doubly productive and exciting.

Once upon a time, through difficult trials, our ancestors won for us peace and tranquility, the opportunity to live according to our traditions. Now it's our turn to preserve the peaceful skies above.

Karina Golubeva, student Faculty of Humanities and Communications:

«For me, historical memory is, first and foremost, the memory of my ancestors and their heroism. Events like today's are held to foster patriotism and pride in our ancestors who gave their lives for our peaceful, prosperous future. They help us learn from the experience of the wartime generation to prevent the tragic mistakes of the past from being repeated».

Historical memory must be preserved because it connects the past, present, and future, fosters patriotism, and preserves cultural heritage. This must be done through the study of history and through events that engage young people in historical research and factual analysis. It is important to resist the distortion of history and pass on the experience of our people through family traditions and educational programs.

Polina Aglusevich, student Faculty of Law:

– During the plenary session, profound and pressing issues were discussed, with the central theme, of course, being the preservation of the memory of the heroes of the Great Patriotic War. It was invaluable to hear diverse perspectives and approaches, as the speakers included representatives of youth organizations and patriotic movements, as well as educators–school and university professors who work directly with the younger generation.

One speaker's statement about the need to «defend the truth, won at a high price», drew particular attention. This idea accurately reflects the importance of patriotic education and embodies the essence of our shared mission–to prevent history from being rewritten and to convey to future generations the truth about the heroism of our ancestors without distortion or falsification.

Such forums are an important step in building dialogue between generations and countries, and the event was extremely informative and useful for shaping future professional and social activities.

More photos are available in the VSU Media Center group on VKontakte.