Miory Regional Executive Committee

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko underscored the importance of the Belarusian people preserving their cultural sovereignty. He made these remarks at the ceremony for awarding the "For Spiritual Revival" prize, the special prize for cultural and artistic figures, and the "Belaruski Spartivny Olymp" prize, a BELTA correspondent reports.

"We, Belarusians, are creators by nature. From ancient times, we have lived by our own intellect, which is why we preserved our way of life, culture, and spirituality during the most difficult periods of development. This is very important. Many today, especially those who have fled the country, loudly proclaim the 'decline' of spirituality and culture. There will be no 'decline' if we present masterpieces of this creativity to our people. No one will ever suppress creativity. This has never happened in our modern history and never will. But we will not allow anyone to destroy what has been created and developed over centuries by generations of Belarusians—our traditions, our spirituality, and our highest feelings are based on the past. And it cannot be destroyed. It is also unnecessary to excessively politicize it," the Belarusian leader stated.

At the same time, according to the President, Belarus is open to the world, respects the customs and traditions of other peoples, and is receptive to new ideas. "But under one condition: everything that comes into our lives, into the lives of Belarusians, must resonate, correspond to our national values, spiritual world, and enrich our nation culturally," the head of state said.

Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that the future of the nation depends, among other things, on the personal example of all participants and guests of the ceremony, on their civic stance and professional choice: "You do not need to be told how important it is to keep our cultural sovereignty in your hands. Naturally, it begins with a careful attitude towards the purity of the native language (Russian and Belarusian), priority given to traditional content of creative projects and holidays, and traditional presentation of our national product and all living space."

The Head of State stated that maintaining a deep respect for native culture, created by folk masters, Soviet and Belarusian classics, is a matter of national dignity: "Under no circumstances should we abandon what we have achieved. For then the question will arise: from what legacy are we renouncing, and upon what shall we build our future?"

Alexander Lukashenko wished all residents of Belarus success in the coming year, both creative and professional: "As before, we will strive for excellence and a worthy level of our cultural, spiritual, and socio-political life."

The President thanked the award laureates for their contribution to the development of native Belarus and personally presented them with diplomas.

Source: belta.by