The Rostov Branch of the Gerasimov-Russian State University of Cinematography (VGIK) hosted a discussion platform “National Unity Day – a reflection of the past or the need for the present?” The event was attended by representatives of the practical bodies of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Prosecutor’s Office of Russia, the clergy, as well as students and teaching staff of educational organizations of the city.
Doctor of Sociology, Professor, Director of the Rostov branch of the VGIK Alexander A. Rezvanov addressed the participants with a welcoming speech that drew attention to the historical foundation of the holiday, which has become a symbol of heroism and valour of the multinational people of Russia.
Head of the Rostov Branch of the Union of Criminalists and Criminologists, Doctor of Law Elena Steshich in her speech noted that National Unity Day is a special holiday. Symbolizing the desire of our society to find unity in the awareness of belonging to the glorious and heroic history of the Fatherland, it also has an important preventive function. The ideology of patriotism, mutual understanding and unity is a solid foundation for the prevention of offences. No matter how the law enforcement agencies become more active, they are not able to influence the reduction of even a quarter of the social and cultural factors affecting the state of modern crime, which has features of extremism, terrorism and xenophobia. The theory and practice of law enforcement activity shows that the basis of successful prevention of negative social phenomena lies precisely in effective prevention, involving joint activities of society and the state to overcome inequality, discrimination and poverty, organization of employment, instilling interest in sports, culture, art. Therefore, it would not be an exaggeration to say that cinema today determines the spiritual development vector of society. Addressing the VGIK students present in the hall, the professor wished that their works would contribute to the flourishing of the best qualities of a person, bring more kindness, love and then order into our lives.
Member of the Union of Criminalists and Criminologists, Military Prosecutor (retired) Sergey Zakharov, who took part in the event, addressed the issues of historical truth, spiritual self-determination of the people, respect for the identity of ethnic groups, of which there are about two hundred in Russia today. He also speculated about the formation of a collective ideology in the spirit of patriotism and love for the Motherland.
Cadets and students of the Rostov Law Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia took an active part in the discussion. To commemorate the holiday, they also read a verse “Where does Russia begin?” by the famous Russian poet Viktor Bokov
The moderator of the event was Head of the Chair for Educational Work, Social and Youth Policy of the Rostov Branch of VGIK Alexander Kurdin. He thanked all those present for a fruitful and interesting festive meeting.
