On June 11, classrooms gave way to roads of historical memory: students of the Engineering and Pedagogical Faculty (EPF) of BNTU, together with Deputy Dean for Educational Work Yulia Ivanovna Susha and I traveled to the village of Mikhanovichi to explore key points of the "Star Trek." This day provided participants with an opportunity to connect with living history, hidden in archival documents, installations, and memorials. The route of military glory reminded everyone present of the high price paid for the modern world and transformed into a sincere, profound dialogue with the past through respect for the heroism of their ancestors. This trip pursued an important goal: not only to introduce young people to the chronicle of the war years, but also to form a clear civic position in future specialists, based on respect for historical truth and national heritage.
For reference: The "Star Trek" route connected the most important historical, cultural, and spiritual sites of the agrotown of Mikhanovichi. The military-patriotic section included two iconic sites: the People's Museum, which houses unique documents and personal belongings of local veterans, and the Mass Grave on Sovetskaya Street, the final resting place for 114 Soviet soldiers and partisans who died in the summer of 1944. The tragic events of the occupation are reflected in a special installation at the local secondary school, which vividly illustrates the scale of the genocide against the civilian population. The spiritual core of the route was the ancient "Stone Cross" near the Church of St. Demetrius of Rostov—a historical monument of sacred architecture that connects modern times with the centuries-old traditions of our ancestors.
During the civic-patriotic event, the participants visited historical and cultural sites and memorial complexes in the agro-town of Mikhanovichi. The visit's program was strictly structured and aimed at systematically familiarizing the students with key historical milestones in the Moscow region.
The first stop of the "Star Trek" was a visit to the "History of Mikhanovichi" People's Museum. The event began with a detailed tour of the halls of the "History of Mikhanovichi" People's Museum, which serves as the village's main scientific and educational center. The student group was introduced to specialized thematic collections and archival materials. During a lecture by a tour guide, the future specialists examined original documents, maps of defensive battles, and chronicles attesting to the colossal contribution of local residents to the victory over the Nazi invaders. The BNTU IAP delegation particularly focused on displays displaying the personal belongings of local soldiers and materials documenting the arduous process of labor-intensive restoration of the village's destroyed infrastructure during the post-war five-year plans.
The second item on the program was a solemn civic and patriotic event at the Mass Grave of Soviet Soldiers and Partisans located on Sovetskaya Street. This site is officially designated a military burial ground, housing the remains of 114 defenders of the Fatherland who gave their lives during the liberation of the Minsk region in the summer of 1944. The delegation from the Faculty of Engineering and Pedagogy paid tribute to the fallen heroes of the regular Red Army and the partisan fighters. A moment of silence was observed at the end of the event, during which the participants honored the memory of the fallen. At the end of the event, wreaths and fresh flowers were ceremoniously laid at the foot of the central monument on behalf of the Faculty.
The group then moved to the Mikhanovichi Secondary School, where a thematic art installation has been installed. This memorial is entirely dedicated to the victims of the genocide of the Belarusian population during the Great Patriotic War and is based on official investigations into Nazi crimes. Students from the faculty thoroughly examined the exhibits, archival evidence, and visual compositions depicting the policy of systematic extermination of civilians, punitive operations, and the tragedy of the burned villages of the region. This stage of the tour focused on demonstrating documented evidence of crimes against humanity, which resonated deeply with the future engineering educators and served as the basis for a serious discussion on maintaining national security.
The historical route concluded with a visit to a sacred architectural monument—the ancient "Stone Cross" located on the grounds of the Church of St. Demetrius of Rostov. This site is an important element of the region's historical and spiritual heritage, embodying the centuries-old culture of the Belarusian lands. During the visit, the "Star Trek" participants learned about the monument's history, the spiritual traditions of the region surrounding the capital, and the role of faith in sustaining the nation's resilience during periods of severe historical trials. At the foot of the cross, students and faculty leadership were able to spend a moment of silence, reflect on the information gained throughout the route, and formally summarize the trip, noting the inextricable link between historical memory and the country's future development.
Yulia Ivanovna Susha, Deputy Dean of the BNTU Institute of Applied Philosophy for Ideological and Educational Work, spoke about the significance of the event and its impact on student youth:
"The Star Trek" is more than just a sightseeing and tourist activity, but an important element of students' civic and patriotic education. It's especially valuable that the hike format creates conditions for informal communication, exchanging opinions, and jointly reflecting on historical events. Students learn to
work in a team, demonstrate mutual support, and demonstrate responsibility—qualities essential for true citizenship.
At the end of the action-packed day, the "Star Trek" participants gathered around a campfire in a picturesque clearing—away from the bustle of the city, surrounded by nature. In this informal setting, the students and faculty leadership were able to thoroughly discuss the results of the trip. The students actively shared their impressions, recalled the highlights of the route, and analyzed the information they had gathered. Each person interpreted what they had heard and seen in their own way—from the touching details of local residents' lives during the war to the profound symbolism of the school installation. Warm conversations strengthened their sense of community, and a clear understanding emerged of the importance of preserving the memory of the past and passing it on.
Varvara Samuseva, Chair of the IPF Student Council and the liaison between the administration and students, shared a student perspective on the event:
"The Star Trek" became a true journey into the history of their native land. It was especially valuable that the students saw the connection between the events of the war and the fate of the Mikhanovich family. Such events foster a sense of belonging to the fate of the country.
I thank Yulia Ivanovna Susha for organizing this event – we will definitely continue this tradition!
Our sincere gratitude to Yulia Ivanovna Susha, Deputy Dean for Ideological and Educational Work, for the impeccable organization of the "Star Trek" and her personal contribution to the development of civic and patriotic initiatives. Supporting such projects opens new horizons for young people in the study of our country's historical heritage. We also express our gratitude to the faculty's students for their active participation, high discipline, and demonstration of mature civic commitment. It is your keen interest that makes such trips truly meaningful and inspiring.
The recent "Star Trek" vividly demonstrated that for students of the BNTU Engineering and Pedagogics Faculty, historical memory is not the frozen pages of textbooks, but a living reference point for shaping their civic stance. Such trips serve a vital function: they not only introduce future professionals to the tragic past but also lay a solid foundation for national identity. The understanding of the true price of peace, which the participants gained from this journey, serves as the best guarantee that the heroism of their ancestors will never be forgotten, and that the spiritual traditions of the Belarusian people will live on in the deeds and aspirations of the new generation.
