Rector Lenar Safin speaks with student activists
The traditional meeting was held on 25th January, Russian Student Day.
One of the most poignant topics of today’s meeting was traditional Russian values – understanding them as a solid foundation for uniting people with different religious views, tastes, opinions, interests, abilities, and talents.
The Rector noted that family values, as well as patriotism, mutual assistance, respect, humanism, compassion, service to the Motherland in every sense, and many other personal qualities that make a person truly human, are primarily instilled from childhood and ultimately form a strong society.
“We find true inspiration in such simple, human things. After all, many goals stem not only from knowledge but from the moral foundation laid within us by our parents and mentors. Cherish it within yourselves, develop it, be attentive to one another, and you will certainly succeed,” Lenar Safin advised the students.
The students, in turn, spoke about their numerous social projects, what has already been brought to life and what is still in the planning stages. After all, the main driving force uniting active students is, in their words, social utility.
In recent years, KFU has built a systematic approach to project activities, where students discuss ideas, prepare applications, and consult with mentors and curators.
As vivid examples, the students cited projects related to career guidance, culture and education, solving environmental problems, popularizing science, and improving the lives of people with disabilities.
It should be added that in December 2024, on the initiative of our freshmen, a local branch of the All-Russian Public-State Movement of Children and Youth Movement of the First was opened at Kazan University. Such branches began their activities quite recently, as the Movement of the First previously developed only in schools and kindergartens. KFU became one of the first universities in Tatarstan to open a student primary branch, and its representatives were present at today’s meeting.
They spoke about their mission and the values upon which their work is built.
The topic of family values was not overlooked during today’s discussion. Lenar Safin emphasized that for him, as Rector, his large university family is very important. Among other things, the university creates numerous support measures for young parents so that the educational process is not complicated by difficulties related to childbirth and raising a child.
“Student years are the most favorable time to gain new knowledge, find good friends, and make romantic connections that may later grow into something more. Young families are created, children appear. It has been this way in all times, and it was so during my student days when I met my other half, and our first child was born in a student dormitory,” the Rector shared his memories. “Therefore, judging by my own example, I know how necessary support for student families from the university is. I also want to say to those of you who have already consciously taken this step, that your choice commands respect. It is also very valuable that our university has family dynasties, where several generations have linked their destinies with Kazan University.”
Next, Dr Safin gave commemorative gifts to young families and letters of appreciation to student activists for their projects.
In conclusion, Lenar Safin once again congratulated the students on their holiday and announced that he plans to continue developing the university’s infrastructure, improving conditions in dormitories, creating comfortable conditions for study, as well as promoting science and improving the quality of education.