MINSK, 29 December (BelTA) – Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko has presented state awards to Belarusians who distinguished themselves in various fields of expertise. The ceremony took place in the Palace of Independence on 29 December, BelTA has learned.
“Today we are celebrating people working in the manufacturing sector, healthcare professionals, educators, law enforcement employees, artists, coaches, athletes, and the clergy. All of them make Belarus richer and stronger with their daily work,” the president said.
The head of state pointed to a special solemnity of the event that is taking place in the run-up to New Year and Christmas. “New Year is traditionally associated with hopes, expectations of miracles and gifts. Even we, adults, are waiting for miracles. These well-deserved high awards and honorary titles are also a gift for you, your labor collectives and relatives. This is recognition of services to the state,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed.
In his speech the president named some of the awardees and praised their significant contribution to the country's development: “The Order of the Fatherland was awarded to Oleg Rummo, an outstanding surgeon, Director of the National Research Center for Surgery, Transplantology and Hematology. Academician and now Honored Scientist Nikolai Kazak is known for his world-class achievements in nonlinear optics and laser physics. Aleksandr Bodyako built a successful innovative company from scratch, for which he was by right awarded the Honored Worker of the Manufacturing Sector of Belarus title.
“It is very important that we have learned to apply cutting-edge technology. It is doubly valuable that we have learned to develop this technology. Therefore, the success story of each of you is the best proof of my statement that a person is the main asset of our country,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
The president drew attention to the fact that most of the awardees are teachers. “These are people whose social role is extraordinarily high. You know better than anyone that bringing up young people means building the country's future, maintaining the continuity of generations and historical memory. After all, kindergarten and school children will become full-fledged members of the society. And let's be frank, the recent events have shown that we have something to work on,” the Belarusian leader said.
Speaking about the healthcare workers who were awarded the high awards, the head of state said: “Honor and praise to our doctors, all healthcare professionals. I have repeatedly said and I keep saying that we are in the spotlight now. Such is the time. I am sure that you will successfully cope with your tasks. So will agricultural workers who showed us all an example of professionalism and hard work,” the president said.
“The soul of the nation and traditions are preserved and enriched by people of art who promote humanity and generosity. Let us be frank again: unfortunately, as events have shown, not all of them are like that. Uniformed services, our military, protect the rule of law, security and sovereignty. Athletes and coaches glorify the country with their victories. As time has shown, unfortunately, not all of them do it. But all of the attendees are bright, accomplished personalities, successful people and an example to follow. You have new professional heights and achievements ahead of you. Let cordiality, coziness and joy warm up every home. I wish you all good health, happiness and many successes for the benefit of our dear Belarus,” the president added.
The head of state once again congratulated everyone on the upcoming holidays, saying that the outgoing year ‘was not easy, but very useful for our country'. “We saw who is who, realized what we have and what we can lose if we do not think for ourselves,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed.
The head of state presented the Order of the Fatherland 3rd Class to Director General of the Materials Research Center of the National Academy of Sciences Valery Fedosyuk, the Order of Francysk Skaryna to Abbess Gavriila and content developer at the Local History and Search Department of the Mogilev Regional Center of Creativity Nikolai Borisenko, the Order of Honor to Mogilev Mayor Vladimir Tsumarev, the Medal of Francysk Skaryna to the head of the Novogrudok Diocese of the Belarusian Orthodox Church, Archbishop of Novogrudok and Slonim Gury, and vocalist of the Mogilev Regional Philharmonic Olga Gornichar.
Among the awardees of the Order for Service to the Homeland 3rd Class were Head of the National Special-Purpose Detachment of the Emergencies Ministry Igor Zarembo, Head of the Vitebsk Oblast Office of the State Forensic Examination Committee Yuri Shchetko and Head of the Supervision and Prevention Department of the Emergencies Ministry Dmitry Turchin. The Medal for Labor Services was presented to First Vice-Rector of the Belarusian State Academy of Arts Svetlana Vinokurova.
A large group of people representing various fields of expertise were awarded honorary titles. The People's Artist of Belarus title was bestowed on vocalist of the National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theater Vladimir Gromov, the Honored Artist of Belarus title on Artistic Director - Chief Conductor of the Show Orchestra of the Armed Forces Yevgeny Dovzhik, the Honored Master of Sport title on athlete-instructor of Belarus' national judo team Marina Slutskaya and bronze medalist of the European Weightlifting Championship Dmitry Khodas, the Honored Doctor of Belarus title on Deputy Director of the Alexandrov National Cancer Center Anatoly Mavrichev.
