May 18
This day in 2012 marked an event at BNTU that extended far beyond the confines of university life. It was then that the university celebrated the opening of the Abai Center for Kazakh Language, History, and Culture – a platform designed to bring together Belarusian and Kazakh youth through language, art, and live communication. The center became a logical continuation of the Scientific and Educational Consortium between the universities of the two countries, an agreement signed the previous year.
Over the years, the center has become a true cultural magnet: it hosts seminars, exhibitions, festivals, and competitions, and the international festival "Navruz" has become one of the most vibrant annual events in the life of the university. The center is named after Abai Kunanbayev, the great Kazakh poet, philosopher, and composer, whose work inspired the cultural transformation of an entire nation.
May 20
In May 1921, the Main Directorate of Professional Education of the RSFSR designated the Belarusian Polytechnic Institute as a leading educational institution, granting it the same rights and privileges as higher education institutions. This decision officially recognized the young institute, which was then less than a year old. A century later, this trust has been fully justified: today, BNTU is a recognized flagship of engineering education, the republic's leading technical university, and a training ground for specialists who will shape the country's technological future.
May 21
May 2022 marked the beginning of a new cultural bridge between Belarus and Uzbekistan. The center for Belarusian culture and education was officially opened at the Tashkent State Technical University named after Islam Karimov. The agreement establishing the center was signed on May 17, and just four days later, the doors opened to students. BNTU contributed national symbols, informational materials about Belarus, its landmarks and traditions, national costumes, dolls, and books by Belarusian writers to the exhibition.
The center was opened by the rectors of the two universities, Sadritdin Turabjanov and Sergei Kharitonchik. "We have outgrown the format when we were just working on establishing relationships in education. This format is no longer enough for us," noted Sergei Kharitonchik, adding that plans include opening a similar center of Uzbek culture in Minsk. These plans did not remain on paper: on December 14, 2022, the Center for Uzbek Culture and Education officially opened at BNTU. A bridge between the two countries was built in both directions.
May 22
The evening of May 22, 2025, in the assembly hall of BNTU's Building 11a, became a true celebration. The People's Choir of the Department of Culture celebrated its 45th anniversary with a large celebratory concert.
Founded in 1980 as a student academic choir, the group has gone through a series of leaders, names, and generations of members. One thing united them all: people came not because they had to, but because they wanted to. "When you're really tired from studying or working, you want to go to a place where your thoughts just fly away," shared Polina Zhukovets, a graduate of Belarusian National Technical University and a member of the choir. For many, the choir became that place.
The evening's program included sacred music, Soviet classics, Belarusian composers, and folk songs. One of the highlights was the performance of Viktor Lyskovets's "Only Begotten Son"—a piece the choir first performed at the Kolozha Blagovest festival in 2016 and has since considered one of its favorites. The evening's guests included the exemplary choir of the Akhremchik Gymnasium-College of Arts. Following the concert, Natalia Penyaz, Head of the BNTU Department of Culture, presented certificates of appreciation to conductor Elena Klimova, choirmaster Nikita Klimov, and the ensemble's members—students and graduates.
May 24
In May 1996, Mikhail Demchuk, Rector of the Belarusian State Polytechnical Academy, was awarded the honorary title of "Honored Scientist of the Republic of Belarus." The award recognized the scientist's outstanding contribution to the development of Belarusian science and education.
Mikhail Demchuk is a Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Professor, Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, laureate of the BSSR State Prize in Science and Technology, and the author of over 400 scientific papers and approximately 40 inventions. His research interests lay in the field of optoelectronic and laser instrumentation. His work at the Academy was only part of his extensive career: over the years, he held the posts of Minister of Public Education of the Byelorussian SSR, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers, and Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus. Mikhail Ivanovich passed away on July 26, 2016, but his contribution to Belarusian science and higher education remains – in his works, reforms, and the people he taught.
And finally, about the handshake that proved to be the beginning. On this day, May 24, 2021, at BNTU
