Today, July 3, the Republic of Belarus celebrates its main national holiday – Independence Day. On this day 82 years ago, during the Minsk Offensive Operation (part of the strategic Operation Bagration), the capital of Belarus was liberated from the Nazi invaders.
Rector Sergei Kharitonchik addressed the staff and students of the Belarusian National Technical University with congratulations on this holiday of sovereignty, patriotism, and unity:
"Dear staff and students of the Belarusian National Technical University! I sincerely congratulate you on Independence Day of the Republic of Belarus.
This day is a symbol of historical memory, the celebration of the unity of our people, and the inviolability of state sovereignty. For us, the staff of the country's leading technical university, Independence Day has special significance. We are rightfully proud that it is here, at BNTU, that the intellectual elite of Belarus is formed – future engineers, architects, scientists, and innovators who will shape the technological landscape of our country for decades to come.
Our university has always been and remains a powerful pillar of the national economy. Your daily work directly contributes to strengthening industrial potential, advancing science, creating cutting-edge technologies, and ensuring the technological sovereignty of our country. The personal dedication, high professionalism, responsibility, and passion for innovative solutions that you demonstrate every day are the solid foundation upon which the prosperity of an independent Belarus is built.
On this festive day, I wish you good health, boundless energy, family well-being, and peace. May your bold ideas be realized in successful projects, and may your creative work bring you well-deserved recognition and help develop a strong and prosperous Belarus!
Rector
History of the holiday
The decision to celebrate Independence Day on July 3 was made in a national referendum in 1996. This date was not chosen by chance: it was on July 3, 1944, that the capital of Belarus was liberated from the Nazi invaders during the strategic Operation Bagration. The courage of the troops of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Belarusian Fronts, in close cooperation with the partisans, allowed Minsk to regain its freedom and laid the foundation for the complete liberation of the entire republic.
The country first celebrated its main national holiday on July 3 in 1997. Since then, this date has become a symbol of sovereignty, national revival, and eternal gratitude to the generation of victors. The memory of the great feat of Soviet soldiers is sacred to every Belarusian, forming the foundation of our national identity.
Today, Independence Day is a celebration of peaceful creation, unity, and a confident outlook on the future. Modern Belarus celebrates this day with large-scale celebrations, parades, and cultural and sporting events across the country. Belarusians honor the traditions of their ancestors and, through their daily hard work, scientific discoveries, and industrial achievements, strengthen the economic and intellectual potential of their sovereign state.
BNTU on this day
The Belarusian National Technical University is always at the center of major state celebrations, demonstrating the high level of civic unity within its staff. Every year, the university's administration, faculty, and student organization activists represent BNTU at key national events. A university delegation invariably participates in flower-laying and wreath-laying ceremonies at memorial complexes, paying tribute to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War.
Representatives of the BNTU Military Technical Faculty occupy a special place in the festive program. Officers and cadets regularly serve as part of parade units, demonstrating high levels of drill proficiency and discipline during military parades and theatrical processions at the "Minsk – Hero City" stele.
The university also actively integrates into the city's festive environment, organizing a variety of themed events. At district and citywide venues, BNTU representatives present cutting-edge scientific and technical developments by young scientists, conduct interactive master classes, and present creative performances by student groups from the Department of Culture, creating a festive atmosphere for Minsk residents and visitors.
The final chord of the festive day for the thousands-strong BNTU staff is participation in nationwide patriotic events. Students and university administration join thousands of their compatriots at iconic city venues. A joint performance of the National Anthem of the Republic of Belarus accompanied by celebratory fireworks underscores the Polytechnic youth's commitment to the values of peace.
