Today, on September 17, the Republic of Belarus is celebrating National Unity Day — the youngest state holiday in sovereign Belarus. It symbolizes the national, state, and territorial integrity of our country. Rector Sergei Kharitonchik addressed the teachers, staff, and students of the Belarusian National Technical University with a congratulatory message.
Dear students, teachers, and staff of the Belarusian National Technical University! I sincerely congratulate you on National Unity Day!
This holiday symbolizes the inseparable connection between generations, our shared history, and our striving to build for the benefit of our beloved Belarus. We draw strength from the rich historical heritage of our people, from its centuries‑old traditions of nationwide unity. Our country has gone through extremely difficult trials more than once, but it is our unity and love for our homeland that have always helped us to overcome any obstacles with honor and strengthen our independence and statehood.
Although this holiday was added to our calendar relatively recently, it has deep historical roots, reminding us of the reunification of the Belarusian people in 1939 and the formation of a unified Belarusian nation. National Unity Day is a personal holiday for each of us, affirming that only together can we build the future and achieve new heights.
For BNTU, a hub for engineering and scientific talent, this day is especially significant. Our university is a huge family where students, postgraduates, teachers, and staff unite around a common goal. It is precisely in this unity that innovative ideas and professional achievements are born, strengthening the economic and scientific power of our state..
May this festive day become a source of pride for you in our shared history, inspire you to new accomplishments, and strengthen the spirit of creation for the future of Belarus. I wish you good health, peace, harmony in your families, well‑being, and new successes in your studies and work! Happy holiday, dear friends!
Rector
S. Kharitonchik”
The idea of creating a holiday was first proposed at the 6th All‑Belarusian People’s Assembly, which took place on February 11–12, 2021, at the Palace of the Republic. The President of the Republic of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, supported the initiative, after which the date for the celebration was chosen — September 17. Subsequently, the holiday was officially established on June 7, 2021, by Decree No. 206 of the President of the Republic of Belarus.
Why was September 17 chosen as the date for the celebration? It was on this day in 1939 that the Red Army’s campaign to liberate the Belarusian lands from Polish occupation began, which resulted in the reunification of Eastern and Western Belarus. Prior to that, the territory of Belarus had been divided between two states as a result of the Soviet–Polish War of 1919–1920. The BSSR, which was part of the USSR, was established in the eastern part of Belarus. The western territories were annexed by Poland — part of the lands was seized during the war, and part was ceded to Poland under the terms of the Treaty of Riga, which was signed in 1921. These events became an important stage in the history of the Belarusian people, ensuring the territorial unity and cultural development of the nation.
On September 17, ceremonial events are held throughout the country: rallies and ceremonies to lay flowers at monuments to the liberating soldiers, festive concerts and patriotic flash mobs, car rallies and bike rides. Educational institutions traditionally hold unified lessons dedicated to the significance of this date, and on the eve of the holiday, the President of the Republic of Belarus presents state awards to representatives of various fields. Every year, this event unites millions of Belarusians across the country — from large cities to small villages.
National Unity Day is not just a date on the calendar, but a symbol of the indivisibility of our country and the strength of the Belarusian people. Belarusians are rightfully proud of the fact that they have managed to preserve unity, stability, and harmony in society. We are one people, united by a common history, shared values, and a common dream of peace and prosperity for our native land. It is this unity that helps us look to the future with confidence and build an independent Belarus, where everyone feels like part of a large and close‑knit family.
Every year, on the eve of and on National Unity Day itself, BNTU holds thematic events that have become a good tradition and an important part of youth education. The central event is the solemn concert “We Are Together!”, organized by the Department of Culture. Creative groups from BNTU take the stage, performing patriotic songs, instrumental compositions, and choreographic numbers filled with the spirit of unity and national pride. Each performance is not just a creative act, but a sincere declaration of love for the Motherland.
An important component of the celebration is the dialogue platforms and meetings held at all faculties of the university. Deputies, representatives of government bodies, and public figures are invited to engage in open discussions about the importance of peace and harmony in society. Students and faculty members discuss issues related to civic responsibility, historical memory, and the role of youth in strengthening the country’s unity.
The Republican dictation “National Unity Day” has also become an integral part of the festive events at BNTU. Hundreds of students and staff take part in the initiative — everyone can test their knowledge of history and gain a deeper understanding of the significance of this memorable date.
During the celebration, students and university staff actively participate in city patriotic actions. The bike ride "Roads of Memory" gathers hundreds of activists who cover routes to iconic places in the capital, including Pobediteley Avenue and Victory Park Embankment. These events bring together different generations, reminding of the value of peace and stability.
The events are aimed at the most important things: preserving the historical truth, fostering a sense of pride in one's country and respecting its history. BNTU takes a responsible approach to the development of future officers, engineers, and specialists who, remembering the past, will honorably continue the glorious traditions of their predecessors and make a worthy contribution to the development of our Fatherland.
National Unity Day is a holiday that unites everyone who values the history and future of Belarus. It reminds us of the power of unity and responsibility for our country. We congratulate everyone on this significant day! We wish peace, goodness, and new achievements for the benefit of our Motherland!
