The Belarusian National Technical University held a large-scale two-week marathon as part of the project “Youth about the main things”. From March 9 to 20, open dialogues were held at all faculties of BNTU, united by two most important topics: the Day of the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus and the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Khatyn Tragedy.
The project "Youth on the Main" has once again proven that the format of an open conversation is an effective way to convey to students the importance of historical memory and civic responsibility. The meetings were moderated by the activists of the faculties’ youth structures: the chairmen of the student councils, the secretaries of the PO of the Belarusian Republican Youth Union, the chairmen of the PPO of the students of the BNTU, and the representatives of the youth wing of the Belarusian Union of Women. They spoke with their peers on equal terms – sincerely, openly, and in an adult way.
The project week from March 9 to 13 was timed to coincide with the Day of the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus. The thematic meetings covered all faculties of the university. The participants discussed the fact that the Constitution is not just a set of laws, but a legal foundation that ensures the unity of the nation and the well-being of the country. The speakers reminded their peers about the history of the Constitution's development and the role played by young people in the discussion of constitutional amendments.
Ilya Vasilets, Chairman of the Student Council of the Faculty of Energy, shared his opinion on the significance of such meetings.
"In my opinion, the importance of such events cannot be overstated. We often talk about patriotism and civic engagement, but without understanding the history and laws of our country, these are empty words. The Constitution is a contract between the state and us, its citizens. The better we know our rights and responsibilities, the more confident we feel in life.
From March 16 to 20, the topic of the meetings changed, but it remained equally important. The students of the Belarusian National Technical University discussed the tragedy of Khatyn and the genocide of the Belarusian people during the Great Patriotic War. Dialogue platforms were held at all faculties to commemorate the victims of the Khatyn tragedy, which is annually celebrated in Belarus on March 22.
The speakers spoke about the events of March 22, 1943, when 149 residents of Khatyn, including 75 children, were killed. Special attention was paid to the results of the investigation into the genocide case.
Victoria Savelyeva, Secretary of the BRSM Youth Organization at the BNTU Faculty of Technology, also emphasized the significance of these meetings.
— For us, modern students, such meetings are an inoculation against oblivion. By discussing the tragedy of Khatyn today, we don't just flip through a history textbook; we learn to feel the pain of others as our own. The bells of Khatyn remind us all that we must protect our land and peaceful skies to ensure that this chain of memory never ends. As long as we remember, we live.
The "Youth on the Main" meetings continue, and students are setting new goals to discuss truly important topics.
