President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, colleagues, friends,
The presentation of state decorations in the Kremlin ahead of the New Year celebrations always takes place in a special festive atmosphere, a time when it is customary to look back at the year and make plans for the future, and to believe that major efforts, great accomplishments, and many good things lie ahead.
I am confident that this will indeed be the case, and these expectations will come true due to the creative power of Russian society, readiness of millions of people to unite around common goals – great common goals – and to achieve excellent results in peaceful work and military service, science and agriculture, and culture and education, just as you, the key participants of today’s event, do.
The conferring of decorations and titles upon you reflects your impeccable professional excellence, genuine patriotism, and sincere love for the Motherland; it is about recognition by the state and society of your outstanding achievements that are important for Russia and all Russian people.
I would like to begin by mentioning the awardees who have reached truly extraordinary heights in their profession and have been awarded the title Hero of Labour of Russia, namely, lathe operator Andrei Karavayev from the Chepetsk Mechanical Plant, Director of the Kalinin Nuclear Power Plant Viktor Ignatov, hydrometallurgist Alexander Khokhlachev from the Nadezhdinsky Plant, head of Transneft Nikolai Tokarev, as well as the legend of motor racing, General Director of KAMAZ Sergei Kogogin. The title Hero of Labour has also been conferred on Vladimir Spivakov, an extraordinary artist, who has succeeded not only as a great musician, but also as a brilliant teacher and a generous philanthropist.
Here with us today are truly the finest representatives of Russian culture, people of genuinely great talent and deep understanding of the importance of artistic work, the responsibility for its outcome, and its impact on minds and souls.
Nikita Mikhalkov has been awarded the country’s highest state decoration, the Order of St Andrew the Apostle the First-Called. Mr Mikhalkov is a distinguished film director, a person for whom devotion to the Fatherland, the desire to defend our history and spiritual values, and to foster national culture are truly defining both in his personal life and creative activities.
High decorations have also been bestowed upon pianist Denis Matsuev and stage and film director Igor Ugolnikov, actor Sergei Makovetsky, vocalist Ildar Abdrazakov, and People’s Architect of Russia Nikolai Shumakov.
You represent different genres of art, yet you are united by your artistic relevance, the unquestionable quality of your work, and genuine nationwide recognition.
Sporting heroes have always been and remain role models for the Russian people, especially for the youth. I am pleased to welcome legendary coach Tatyana Pokrovskaya and outstanding stars of Russian hockey Vladimir Myshkin and Alexei Kasatonov.
Importantly, many of people in this audience are highly respected top-tier professionals and talented mentors.
Sharing their vast experience with younger generations are team leader at a dairy farm Lyudmila Avramova, and driller Vasily Serebryannikov; rector of the renowned Shchukin Theatre Institute, a cradle of theatrical talent, Yevgeny Knyazev; and department chair at the Law Institute of the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia Yevgeniya Frolova.
To reiterate, you work, teach, and conduct research across a wide range of fields, and you do so in such a manner that our entire country is proud of you. Two of today’s decoration recipients mark their milestone birthdays today. Please join me in wishing happy birthdays to director of the renowned Pirogov Centre Oleg Karpov and the voice of our diplomacy Maria Zakharova.
(Applause.)
Friends, I would like to close by thanking you for your honest and hard work, for your valuable contribution to the development and strengthening of the Fatherland, and for your noble dedication to the Motherland.
Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on receiving your high national decorations and on the approaching New Year.
I wish you happiness, success in your endeavours, and all the best.
Thank you.
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Vladimir Putin: Friends,
We have people in this audience who have achieved outstanding results in their work, profession and life. Several speakers here have invoked God, and when we speak to God, we often use the word “Creator.”
We have people here who engage in creative work. No matter which field you work in, be it the manufacturing industry, arts, or sports, you use creative approach in what you do. Without it, the results that you have achieved would have been impossible.
In other words, you are creators as well. This means there is a spark of the divine within you. God’s hand touched you and gifted you with talent. Your inner spark shines brightly. I am confident it will continue to shine for you in the future.
I would like to ask you, in turn, to pass this divine spark on to other people, to future generations, to the people who are standing next to you now and, indeed, to millions of our fellow citizens.
I wish you all the very best. Happy upcoming New Year!
Thank you very much.