Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Head of the Public Relations Department of the Council of Foreign Students Soykan Shenturk, Antonia Angelova, Sergey Mikhailov and Sabrinkhon Solehzoda open the celebration
On November 5, a festival dedicated to National Unity Day was held at the "Tochka Rosta" space. Organized by the Council of International Students of SPbGASU, the event brought together students from St. Petersburg universities and 14 countries. The event, part of the All-Russian "Russia – a Family of Families" campaign, demonstrated how cultural diversity can be a source of mutual understanding and friendship.
The ceremony was opened by Antonia Angelova, Chair of the Council of Foreign Students. In keeping with ancient Slavic tradition, she treated the guests to bread, piquant drinks, and honey—symbols of hospitality, prosperity, and peace.
Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Sergey Mikhailov addressed the participants with a welcoming speech. "Our university is proud of the atmosphere of friendship, cooperation, and respect for the traditions of different peoples created at SPbGASU," Sergey Vladimirovich emphasized. He recalled that the university enrolls students from all 89 constituent entities of the Russian Federation and 54 countries. The Vice-Rector also noted that such initiatives help strengthen cultural ties and highlight the important role of students in developing international cooperation.
A veritable kaleidoscope of national traditions unfolded on the festival stage: the audience was impressed by the Indonesian song "Boru Panggoaran" performed by SPbGASU student Ikhda Prasetia, the Chinese dance "Land of Ceremonies and Rituals" performed by Zhang Jitao, as well as performances by guests from other universities – Peruvian David Carol Outten (St. Petersburg State Marine Technical University) and Alisson Stephanie Mandieta (St. Petersburg Polytechnic University) from Nigeria.
Following the concert, participants and guests went to a cultural fair, where students presented their countries' national dishes and drinks. Teams from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, China, Kyrgyzstan, Nicaragua, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Turkey, and Ecuador set up tables with refreshments.
In addition, the Council of Foreign Students and the Ideal Youth Center of the Admiralty District organized a quiz called "The Origins of Unity." The questions covered the history of the holiday, the cultural traditions of the peoples of Russia, and the values of mutual respect.
Sabrinkhon Solehzoda, a postgraduate student in the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Deputy Chair of the International Students' Council, noted: "This is my seventh year studying at SPbGASU, and this is the seventh year this event has been held. It brings together all cultures, all international students at our university. We want to show what we have in common and how different cultures can become one big family."
Veronika Pivo, a second-year student in the Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Urban Management, echoed her sentiments: "I'm an international student from Belarus. Events like these help you realize you're not alone in this country, help you make friends, and better understand other cultures."
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.