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Nikolai Leskov was born on February 16, 1831, in the village of Gorokhovo in the Oryol district. His mother belonged to a noble family, and his father, a member of the clergy, broke with her and joined the Oryol Criminal Chamber, where he received hereditary nobility. According to contemporaries, he gained a reputation as a perceptive investigator, capable of solving complex cases.

Early years and finding one's calling

The writer spent his childhood in Oryol. His grandmother had a profound influence on him, instilling moral values and compassion. After his father retired, the family moved to the village of Panino. There, the future writer first encountered the local people—an experience that later formed the basis for his novella "Yudol," about a terrible famine and crimes committed for the sake of survival.

Leskov's studies at the gymnasium, which he entered at age 10, were unsuccessful: due to neglect and a dislike of cramming, after five years he had only completed two grades. In 1847, he began serving in the Oryol Chamber of the Criminal Court, then transferred to Kyiv. In Kyiv, he became an auditor at the university, developed a passion for icon painting, participated in a student society, and interacted with pilgrims and Old Believers.

After leaving the military in 1857, Nikolai began working for his relatives' company, Schott & Wilkens. His business trips often took him around the country, introducing him to new places, languages, cultures, and traditions.

"I know the Russian people to their very core, and I don't take any credit for it. I didn't learn about the people from conversations with St. Petersburg cabbies, but I grew up among the people…" the writer would later share.

During this period of his life, Leskov took up the pen for the first time.

The beginning of a writing career and criticism

Leskov's literary career began with "Essays on the Distilling Industry," published in Otechestvennye Zapiski in 1861. In 1862, he became a regular contributor to the newspaper Severnaya Pchela (Northern Bee). However, his articles accusing the government of inaction during the St. Petersburg fires angered Alexander II, and the editors sent Nicholas on an extended business trip to Europe.

In 1863, Leskov returned to Russia, and soon wrote "The Life of a Woman" and "Nowhere to Go," both published in the journal "Biblioteka." The latter work provoked a sharp critical reaction, and the novel sealed the writer's place in the creative community for many years to come, as he was accused of holding anti-democratic, "reactionary" views.

A significant milestone in his writing was the novel "At Daggers Drawn." In it, the author condemned nihilism and nascent revolutionary movements. According to Maxim Gorky, "…after the evil novel, Leskov's literary work immediately becomes a vibrant painting, or rather, an icon painting—he begins to create for Russia an iconostasis of its saints and righteous."

The Tale of the Cross-Eyed Lefty from Tula and the Steel Flea

One of Leskov's most famous works is "Lefty." This tale, a skaz (a folktale), is unique due to its writing style, which beautifully captures the richness and color of Russian folk speech. Opinions on the work have been wildly varied: some praise the interesting plot, the author's style, and the moral, while others believe the characters lack emotion.

Leskov himself wrote: "Several others agreed that in my stories it is truly difficult to distinguish between good and evil, and that at times it's even impossible to discern who is harming the cause and who is helping it. This was attributed to a certain innate treachery in my nature."

Interesting facts about "Lefty"

Lefty is a collective image of talent, patience, and the tragic Russian fate. Leskov himself admitted: "Where 'Lefty' stands, one should read 'Russian people.'" Nikolai got the idea while vacationing in Sestroretsk, from Colonel Bolonin, an employee of the arms factory. There, he first heard the story of the English steel flea, which Russian craftsmen were able not only to copy but also to shoe. Leo Tolstoy did not understand Lefty. He found the language strange, and the "tricky words" unpopular. The first edition of Lefty was unsuccessful. The opening title with the angels and the engraving of the grasshopper at the end had no relation to the content, and therefore seemed out of place. Leskov wrote down the words for the tale, overheard from ordinary people, in a "little book." Some vocabulary was rewritten by the printer, who considered the author illiterate.

Although this work didn't enjoy great recognition during Nikolai Semyonovich's lifetime, it later became an enduring classic. It's not just a tale about a Russian craftsman, but a true chronicle, combining a rich, complex history and characters.

Besides "Lefty," the "pearls" of his work were the story about a merchant's wife, whose criminal passion leads to the tragedy "Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District" (1864) and the wandering novel "The Enchanted Wanderer" (1873) – the story of a runaway serf who experienced wanderings, captivity, war, but retained faith and readiness for self-sacrifice.

Leskov's works are memorable for their unique style and vibrant, expressive characters. The author created a unified literary and stylistic framework—the tale—and the image of a Russian man who lives by his conscience, modestly yet masterfully performing his work. His closeness to the people, their everyday life, and their customs continues to make his work so relevant today.

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On February 16, Vladimir Stroyev, Rector of the State University of Management, took part in the III Forum of Non-State Education.

The main topics of discussion were new digital technologies, increasing interaction with employers, and improving the quality of the educational process.

The program began with a plenary session, "On Strategic Directions for the Development of Private Education," featuring presentations by Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov, Chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia Leonid Slutsky, Chairperson of the Association of Non-State Education Lyubov Dukhanina, President of the Synergy Corporation Vadim Lobov, Deputy Head of Rosobrnadzor Svetlana Kochetova, and First Vice President of Opora Rossii Eduard Omarov.

Lyubov Dukhanina read a letter of welcome on behalf of Andrei Fursenko, Assistant to the President of the Russian Federation.

In his speech, Valery Falkov noted that higher education is facing unprecedented challenges: unemployment is at a record low, but at the same time, there is a shortage of qualified personnel in many areas. This indicates the need to change approaches, including to university admissions and updating educational programs.

The Minister of Education and Science also announced a transition to a unified system of higher education, which will replace the current division between bachelor's and specialist's degrees, with the length of study dependent on the complexity of the profession and employer demands. The minister also focused on reforming the master's program, proposing to divide it into three types: research, professional, and managerial. Admission will be based on specialized exams rather than general education subjects.

Lyubov Dukhanina, Chair of the Association of Non-State Education, also noted the relevance of the trend toward high-quality education and unique skills. She noted that employers today are looking for highly specialized professionals capable of multitasking, as well as managers who can assemble a team of such specialists and lead them to achieve their plans. The speaker emphasized that people are willing to pay for a quality education from an early age, as evidenced by the increased demand for private kindergartens and schools with engaging, relevant educational programs, which creates new challenges for the education system itself and its transformation.

Eduard Omarov shared his opinion that the most in-demand talent in the country today is entrepreneurs, who make a significant contribution to the national economy. They, in turn, need competent managers and senior executives who will focus on developing specific areas: marketing, production, human resources, and so on.

Following the plenary session, a meeting of the Expert Council on Education and Youth Policy under Deputy Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Boris Chernyshov was held.

Olga Petrova, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, joined the meeting via videoconference. She spoke about the development of the Economic Youth Entrepreneurial University, support for student startups and educational programs aimed at creating them, technological entrepreneurship, and social initiatives.

The meeting participants discussed the development of regional education systems, entrepreneurship in universities, and international cooperation in higher education, as well as education within the framework of the Strategy for the Development of Education in Russia until 2036.

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On February 13, Vladimir Stroyev, Rector of the State University of Management, took part in an extended meeting of the State Council of the Russian Federation Commission on Personnel.

At the opening of the meeting, the commission's chairman, Kaluga Region Governor and GUU alumnus Vladislav Shapsha, outlined the commission's key areas of systematic work, which encompasses the entire labor market development cycle: forecasting personnel needs, restructuring the mid-level vocational education system, migration policy, and graduate employment and career development.

"The issues discussed at the commission meetings were comprehensive. We covered the entire cycle – from forecasting and personnel training to their employment and adaptation," said Vladislav Shapsha.

Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Russian Federation Dmitry Platygin reported that all key indicators of the national project set for 2025 have been met, and the preliminary target for reducing the labor shortage has been exceeded, reaching 101.7%.

One of the key areas of work for 2026 will be increasing the prestige of blue-collar jobs and promoting secondary vocational education, said Vladimir Solodov, Chairman of the "Working People" working group and Governor of Kamchatka Krai.

Vladimir Region Governor Alexander Avdeev, Chairman of the "Active Measures to Promote Employment" working group, noted that the commission, together with the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications, and Mass Media and the Federal Service for Labor and Employment, is exploring the possibility of integrating the "Work Russia" platform with leading commercial HR platforms to automate job postings and simplify the process of receiving government support.

As a reminder, Vladimir Stroyev is a member of the State Council of the Russian Federation's Human Resources Committee and regularly attends its meetings. We previously reported on the issues discussed at the 2025 meetings: January, February, June, and December, as well as at the final meeting.

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257 years ago, on February 13, Ivan Krylov was born—the famous fabulist whose lines we remember from childhood. They contain simple, everyday wisdom familiar to everyone, which is why, even two centuries ago, everyone read his works, regardless of class or age. They remain relevant today:

"How many times have we told the world that flattery is vile and harmful; but it's all to no avail, and a flatterer will always find a place in the heart."

Childhood and the "first steps" of a career

Ivan Andreevich was born in Moscow, the son of an officer. His father possessed a large home library, so from childhood his son was immersed in books and self-educated: he studied arithmetic, foreign languages (English, Italian, German), and read extensively. The boy received no formal education, as he was already working as an assistant clerk at the age of 11 – his father died early, leaving his mother to help support the family. It was she who taught the future writer to read and write, and a tutor who taught him French.

At age 13, the young man moved to St. Petersburg, where he lived in the home of a family friend, the civil servant Fyodor Lvov. The move had a profound impact on his work: Krylov gained access to the capital's literary circle. On the advice of the fabulist Ivan Dmitriev, he translated Jean de Lefautin, a work that received praise from connoisseurs and became the starting point for his fable writing.

At age 15, he spent his free time from his duties in the chamber at the theater, meeting actors and working on his own works. In the late 1780s, Krylov wrote the daring plays "The Americans" and "The Pranksters." And in 1786, his opera "The Writer in the Hallway" was staged. After his initial success, Ivan Andreevich decided to leave his post and devote himself entirely to literature and theater. In 1789, the writer began publishing the humorous magazine "Mail of Spirits," in which he exposed government officials for bribery and lawbreaking.

Dissatisfaction with the authorities and a pause in creativity

Krylov found his niche in writing fables. They were distinguished by their realism and truthfulness, superb language, and memorable style. From 1789 to 1793, his works were actively published in the capital's journals: "Morning Hours," "Mail of Spirits," "Spectator," and "St. Petersburg Mercury." However, in 1793, "Mercury" was closed, placing him under secret police surveillance. The authorities were dissatisfied with his work and exiled him from St. Petersburg, banishing him from the governor's cities. Ivan Andreevich abandoned writing for many years. In 1797, he met Prince Golitsyn, who offered Krylov a position as a children's tutor and secretary.

"Tackle what you are good at if you want to have a successful end to your endeavors."

It wasn't until 1805 that the writer returned to fables, beginning to translate and write them. Within four years, his work had become immensely popular and, ultimately, brought him great fame. From 1810, the writer worked at the Imperial Public Library, and in 1811, he became a member of the Russian Academy and a member of the Literary Society of Lovers of Russian Literature. During this time, his most famous works were written: "The Crow and the Fox," "The Elephant and the Pug," "The Dragonfly and the Ant," "The Quartet," "The Monkey and the Glasses," "The Swan, the Crayfish, and the Pike," "The Quartet," and many others. During his lifetime, Krylov wrote over 230 fables.

Krylov's acclaim was universal. He was read, quoted, and parsed into catchphrases: "The crow cawed with all its might," "Sing, my dear, don't be ashamed!," "The swan rushes into the clouds, the crayfish retreats, and the pike pulls into the water," "And you, friends, no matter how you sit, are still no good at being musicians," "Without a fight, you become a big bully."

Awards and achievements

Thanks to Ivan Krylov, the fable became so popular in the country and reflected the events unfolding there, like a chronicle. Nikolai Gogol characterized Krylov and his work thus: "Krylov chose the fable form, disdained by everyone as something old, unfit for use, and almost a child's toy—and in this fable he managed to become a national poet."

The writer received not only public recognition and admiration but also state awards and a pension. From 1816, he held the position of librarian at the Imperial Public Library. For his creative achievements, he was awarded the Gold Medal of the Russian Academy, the Order of St. Stanislav, 2nd class, the Order of St. Anna, 2nd class, and the Order of St. Vladimir, 4th class.

Krylov's 50th Anniversary

In 1838, St. Petersburg celebrated the famous fabulist's birthday with great pomp. Firstly, it was the first time in Russian and European culture that a living writer was honored solely for his literary achievements. Secondly, over three hundred people were invited to the celebration in the hall of the St. Petersburg Assembly of the Nobility: ministers, members of the State Council, literary figures, and the young Grand Dukes Mikhail and Nikolai with their tutors. The anniversary was prepared by a group of St. Petersburg writers; a script was even written. It included a gala dinner, a performance of the anniversary cantata by the bass Osip Petrov, the decoration of the hall with a bust of Krylov, the awarding of the writer, a showering of flowers, and the crowning of the celebrant with a laurel wreath.

By the Supreme Command, a commemorative medal with a portrait of the fabulist was minted for this date, and two Krylov scholarships were established for poor high school students.

In 1845, Vissarion Belinsky wrote in an article dedicated to the memory of the writer: “…Krylov received a true, unprecedented reward for his literary merits… St. Petersburg writers, with their highest permission, gave Krylov a dinner, in which many dignitaries and famous people participated.”

Retirement and move to Vasilievsky Island

In 1841, Krylov retired from his career with a lifelong pension and moved to Vasilievsky Island. The reason for this decision was unknown: some believed the writer had become addicted to gambling, others believed he was hiding from society due to literary failures.

His daily routine included reading periodicals, smoking cigars, and receiving visitors, with whom he conducted conversations without leaving his chair due to ill health. He was still feeling well on November 20, 1844, but on the 21st, he asked to be put to bed and passed away.

The writer's final wish was to send out an invitation to his own funeral in the form of a special funeral edition of his fables. Ivan Andreevich's funeral service took place in St. Isaac's Cathedral. It couldn't accommodate all those wishing to say their farewells, so crowds filled Nevsky Prospect. The hearse proceeded to the Alexander Nevsky Lavra, where the writer was buried. In 1855, a magnificent monument to Krylov, designed by sculptor Pyotr Klodt, was erected in the Summer Garden.

Ivan Krylov's works have become firmly entrenched in folklore, translated into over 50 foreign languages, and are a symbol of the national spirit and realism. Surpassing Pushkin and Karamzin, the fabulist became the most widely read writer of the 19th century and a "renewer" of the Russian literary language.

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On February 13, 1945, the Budapest Strategic Offensive Operation concluded with the liberation of the Hungarian capital. In terms of duration and ferocity, the battle for Budapest even surpassed the capture of Berlin.

Why Budapest was more important to Hitler than Berlin

The main reason Budapest and Hungary as a whole were so valuable to Hitler were the last remaining oil fields. Without kerosene and other oil-derived fuels, aircraft couldn't take off, and tank armadas couldn't move into battle. The Führer attached particular importance to the oil-rich Nagykanizsa region.

Hitler stated that he would rather agree to the surrender of Berlin than to the loss of Hungarian oil.

To hold these strategically important territories, Hitler issued a directive ordering his forces in Hungary to stand firm, regardless of losses. He dispatched half of his available tank corps to the region, as well as elite SS units.

Execution of the USSR parliamentarians

The Soviet command tried to avoid bloodshed and destruction of the most beautiful city in Europe.

Two groups of parliamentarians under the command of captains Ivan Ostapenko and Miklos Steinmetz were sent to the German generals.

However, in violation of all norms of warfare, the negotiators were executed. Having begun the war with a treacherous attack on the USSR in June 1941, German troops ended it as vile murderers, determined to destroy as many as possible.

It became obvious that an assault was inevitable.

The storming of Budapest

The assault on the Hungarian capital lasted 108 days, and continuous street fighting lasted 48 days.

Up to 100,000 German and Hungarian soldiers were surrounded. Every house was converted into a fortification—the city was completely mined.

Tanks were rarely used – fighting raged for every floor and room. Assault teams advanced: infantry, sappers, and flamethrowers. Underground passages, breaches in walls, and rooftop fire were used, as in Stalingrad.

The Germans attempted three times to break through to the encircled forces, but not so much to rescue them as to bring in reinforcements and defend the city. In January 1945, over 600 tanks participated in one counterattack, but all attempts to break the blockade were repelled.

Memories of a participant in the battle – a GUU employee

Gennady Belykh, a participant who worked after the war at the Sergo Ordzhonikidze State Academy of Management (now the State University of Management), recalled how the battles for the city unfolded:

"In the battle for Budapest, our troops gained extensive experience in conducting combat operations to capture a large city. In this regard, I would like to particularly commend the bold and proactive actions of the assault groups, which played a decisive role in capturing Budapest.

A handful of brave men – machine gunners, sappers, flamethrowers – supported by fire from heavy machine guns, artillery and tanks, quietly approached the building, which the enemy had turned into a stronghold, threw fans into the windows, broke into the house and waged a fierce battle for every room, for every flight of stairs.

Assault groups typically operated not along streets that were under enemy fire, but through passageways and breaches. Our soldiers tried to get behind enemy lines, to ambush them out of the blue. Night was the best time for this—the Nazis feared night combat."

Results of the liberation of Budapest

The liberation of Budapest was completed on February 13, 1945. Fifty-six elite enemy divisions were routed in the battle for the Hungarian capital. Over 130,000 people were captured. The Red Army lost approximately 80,000 soldiers and officers.

The defeat of the German Army Group South opened the way to Austria, Hungary effectively left the war, and Hitler's troops lost their last accessible oil fields.

Medal "For the Capture of Budapest"

In June 1945, the Medal "For the Capture of Budapest" was established. It was awarded to more than 362,000 Red Army soldiers and commanders. This award held a special place in the USSR: the Medal "For the Capture of Budapest" on a soldier's chest meant one thing—the man had been through hell.

The staff of the State University of Management, ours, were also awarded with such medals.

Hero of the Soviet Union Alexander Davydov, Guards Lieutenant Colonel, Deputy Head of Department at the Research Laboratory of the Moscow Institute of Power Engineering and Management (MIEI-MIU) from 1962 to 1985; Gennady Belykh, Colonel, Head of the Educational and Methodological Department at MIEU; Petr Burov, Engineer Major, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs at MIEI from 1952 to 1962; Ivan Stalnoy, Engineer Major, Chief of Staff of the Railway Troops of the 3rd Ukrainian Front, Associate Professor of the Department of Structures and Designs at MIEI.

We remember their feat and honor their memory.

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Before the war, a German guy climbed this slope with you. He fell down, but was saved. And now, perhaps, he's preparing his machine gun for battle. (Vladimir Vysotsky)

During the Great Patriotic War, the Caucasus Mountains became yet another territory captured by Nazi troops. To gain access to coal, steel, and oil and to seize one of the most important strategic points, the Edelweiss Mountain Division was sent there.

The enemy had been studying the terrain since the 1930s, so they were much better prepared for battle and adapted to long-term mountain conditions. Nevertheless, surrender was impossible, and as early as the summer of 1942, Joseph Stalin declared that the Germans would not cross the Caucasus Mountains.

Lieutenant Gurgen Grigoryants's unequal battle against the Edeilweiss unit took place in the fall of 1942. The Germans occupied the Priut 11 Hotel, and despite the failure to "remove" them, the situation in the mountains began to change. First, after Friedrich Paulus's army was encircled near Stalingrad, the group in the Caucasus was in danger of being cut off. Second, the German mountain rifle units were unable to cross the Main Caucasus Range and reach Baku. Third, after the units were redeployed to Stalingrad, they lost their numerical advantage due to a lack of personnel and equipment.

On the night of January 1, 1943, the Nazi troops began to retreat, and our soldiers began the North Caucasus Offensive Operation. It was led by Alexander Gusev, Honored Master of Sports of the USSR in mountaineering. This was the first mass ascent of Europe's highest peak during the harsh winter of the war. Icy winds, terrible storms and frosts, homemade climbing equipment, heavy loads of weapons, and minimal food—such were the conditions. The groups reached the Priyut 11 base by February 9.

"We ran out of food. And not just what we'd brought with us, but also what had somehow survived the warehouse explosion by the retreating rangers. The situation was becoming critical: climbing Elbrus in such bad weather was extremely risky, and the mission had to be completed at all costs," Gusev recalled.

On February 13, 1943, two dozen Soviet military climbers began their assault on Elbrus. In just nine hours, the soldiers reached an altitude of 5,633 meters above sea level. The enemy flags raised in the summer of 1942 were reduced to shreds. After removing the Nazi standards, the climbers raised Soviet flags and wrote a note:

"February 13, 1943, 2:00 PM. Today, a group of RKKA mountaineering instructors climbed here from the "Shelter of the Eleven" in nine hours. Snowfall, fog, frost. The ascent is dedicated to the liberation of the Caucasus from the Nazis and the 25th anniversary of our glorious Red Army. By order of the Transcaucasian Front command, the group removed the Nazi pennant and raised our red flag of the USSR. Death to the German occupiers! Long live our party, the All-Union Communist Party (Bolsheviks), and the heroic Red Army! Long live our Elbrus and a free Caucasus once again!"

The assault on the eastern summit of the mountain began on the night of February 17, and again, 9 hours later, the second peak of Elbrus was cleared of Nazi symbols and the USSR flag was erected on it.

The successful completion of the operation became the most significant feat of Soviet soldiers during the Great Patriotic War and a testament to their incredible strength, courage, and commitment to their homeland. Alexander Gusev and Nikolai Gusak were awarded the Order of the Red Army, and the remaining 18 soldiers were awarded the Medal for Courage. "These are our mountains," and we proved it.

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Feodor Chaliapin was a renowned Russian chamber and opera singer. He was born on February 13, 1873, in Kazan, to a family of farmers. As a child, he sang in a church choir, and at age 12, he first attended the theater, seeing Pyotr Sukhonin's "Russian Wedding." From that moment on, the stage remained his passion for the rest of his life.

"The orchestra was playing. Suddenly the curtain wavered, rose, and I was immediately stunned, enchanted. A vaguely familiar fairy tale came to life before me. Magnificently dressed people walked around the marvelously decorated room, conversing with each other in a particularly beautiful way. I couldn't understand what they were saying. I was deeply moved by the spectacle and, unblinking, unthinking, I gazed at these wonders," recalled Fyodor Ivanovich.

Wanting to get a glimpse behind the scenes, he even took a job as an extra for a nickel. His first performance, at the Panaevsky Garden in Kazan, was a disaster. After appearing on stage in the dramatic play "Vagabonds," in which Chaliapin was cast as the gendarme Roger, he was stunned and later deeply distressed by the disruption of the performance.

The debut finally took place in 1890 in Ufa, when one of the baritones fell ill the day before a performance. The role of the Stolnik in Stanisław Moniuszko's opera "Halka" went to the chorister Chaliapin. He received a "vaccine against overconfidence" then—he sat the wrong way during the performance.

The aspiring artist landed a contract with Lyubimov's opera thanks to Dmitry Usatov, a former artist at the Imperial Theatres, who taught him the basics of professional vocals and etiquette. He was then invited to the Mariinsky Theatre, but after critics criticized his poor singing, he found no roles for a long time.

That same year, in Nizhny Novgorod, where Chaliapin had gone for the summer, he had a fateful meeting with Savva Mamontov. He invited Fyodor to join his troupe for a handsome fee. The singer "didn't believe in the saving power of talent without hard work," so during his three years at the private opera, he demonstrated incredible diligence and worked hard to perfect his craft. Thanks to this, his name became widely known throughout the country.

In the autumn of 1899, Chaliapin arrived at the Imperial Theatres as a renowned opera singer – his tours were a great success, and the audiences applauded him. He then became a leading soloist at both the Bolshoi and Mariinsky Theatres, and two years later he was performing in Italy at the renowned Teatro alla Scala. His repertoire of roles was vast, with his most memorable roles including the Miller (Rusalka), Ivan Susanin (A Life for the Tsar), Boris Godunov and Varlaam (Boris Godunov), Ivan the Terrible (The Maid of Pskov), Mephistopheles (Faust and Mephistopheles), Don Basilio (The Barber of Seville), Leporello (Don Giovanni), and Don Quixote (Don Quixote). From 1918 to 1921, Chaliapin became the artistic director of the Mariinsky Theatre. For the once provincial boy, this position became a true success, recognizing not only his talent and enormous work on himself, but also his sincere dedication to the cause.

In 1922, Fyodor received permission for an extended tour abroad and left for France with his family. The reason for his emigration was disagreements with the Soviet government, which the artist refused to reconcile. His fortunes abroad were flourishing – he began conquering theaters around the world and filling halls with admiring audiences. From 1923 onward, the opera singer performed successfully in Europe, the United States, Canada, and Australia, Latin America, China, and Japan. In 1927, while in Paris, Chaliapin donated 5,000 francs to help unemployed Russian émigrés. The Soviet government perceived this as support for the White Guards and stripped him of his title of People's Artist of the USSR.

A hallmark of his performances was makeup, which he turned into a true art form. His meticulous attention to every detail, including not only his face but also his hands, neck, and, if necessary, his body, was a completely new phenomenon. He recalled:

"When I walked onto the stage, dressed in my costume and made up, it caused a real sensation, very flattering for me. The performers, the chorus, even the workers surrounded me, gasping and delighted like children, touching me with their fingers, feeling me, and when they saw that my muscles had been painted on, they were completely delighted."

In May 1937, his final performance took place in Warsaw. He sang the title role in Boris Godunov, and in June, he gave his final concert in Great Britain. On April 12, 1938, the great artist died of leukemia.

In his time, Feodor Chaliapin was not just a world-renowned opera and chamber music star, but a true innovator. Konstantin Stanislavsky himself, the author of the famous training system still used today, admitted, "I based my 'system' on Chaliapin." Therefore, today, the great singer's legacy lives on in new generations of artists. For his contribution to culture, Chaliapin received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Golden Cross of the Prussian Eagle in Germany, and the Legion of Honor in France. The title of People's Artist was restored only 53 years after the singer's death.

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February 13 is celebrated annually as World Radio Day. It was proclaimed by the UNESCO General Conference on October 19, 2011, and the date was chosen for a reason: it was on this day in 1946 that UN Radio was founded.

Although the holiday hasn't been celebrated for very long, it already has its own traditions. For example, UNESCO chooses a special theme for the celebration each year, reflecting the current challenges and opportunities of radio broadcasting. For 2025, the theme was "Radio and Climate Change."

The history of radio

The debate over who invented radio continues to this day. In Russia, the author is considered to be Alexander Popov, in the US, Nikola Tesla, and in the West, Guglielmo Marconi. Three prominent scientists were working on this new form of communication at the same time, without any interactions.

In 1893, Nikola Tesla demonstrated wireless signal transmission at a lecture in St. Louis and then filed patents for his own radio communication system. On May 7, 1895, Alexander Popov presented his device for receiving electromagnetic waves at a meeting of the Russian Physicochemical Society in St. Petersburg. In 1896, Guglielmo Marconi filed a patent for a radio device in the UK, and by 1901, he had made the first transatlantic radio transmission, proving that radio waves could travel thousands of kilometers.

How an invention changed our lives

Radio was long used for military communications, initially transmitting Morse code, and human speech was first heard in 1919. In the USSR, reliable radio broadcasting began in 1924 and was a true revelation – it became the main source of breaking news for all citizens of the country. In 1962, All-Union Radio introduced 24-hour broadcasting, and by 1970, radio broadcasting had reached the entire country. It has become a vital tool for mass information, education, and entertainment.

Radio Today

Despite the rapid development of television, the internet, and social media, this method of communication remains relevant and remains the most accessible media. Radio adapts to trends, broadcasting not only news but also music, podcasts, interviews, and much more.

Congratulations!

Traditionally, this holiday is celebrated by those involved in radio broadcasting. The State University of Management congratulates members of the Center for Space Research, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, and Radioelectronic Technologies at the State University of Management, radio station staff, military communications specialists, students and teachers specializing in radio engineering, and all radio enthusiasts!

Thank you for creating and developing technologies that help us stay connected!

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: February 13, 2026.

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Official website of the State –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

On February 12, the State University of Management held the opening of the spring season of the Service-Learning program.

Deputy Minister Olga Petrova commented on this event on the official social media accounts of the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education: "I'm pleased to see how students from the State University of Management are implementing projects that help people and make society stronger. Working with real social clients helps them gain practical skills and build a strong portfolio. It's especially important that such initiatives instill in students responsibility, initiative, and a willingness to work in real-world situations."

At the grand opening of the season, GUU Vice-Rector Pavel Pavlovsky described the program's history and emphasized the wide range of tasks it addresses, from assisting large families to organizing nationwide events.

"You're all future managers here. And becoming one in theory without organizing any work in practice is impossible. Without such experience, you'll never know what to do when your colleague misses a deadline," warned Pavel Pavlovsky.

Alexander Romanov, Deputy Head of the Department for Work with Educational Organizations at the Dobro.rf Association, reported that the program's new digital service was launched in January, and that GUU students will be among the first to test it out.

Yulia Ustinova, Deputy Head of the Department of National Priorities and Regional Interaction at the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs, emphasized that the State University of Management is not only a leader in implementing the "Service-Learning" program, but also sets trends and guiding principles for others.

Veronika Balandina, head of the Service-Learning program at SUM, spoke about the main results of the program's implementation at our university in 2025.

"The program covers 100% of the programs offered at SUM. For each program, we select appropriate assignments from social stakeholders. Even if we don't have a specific program, such as veterinary science, but the project seems interesting, we find partners and specialists at other universities," said Veronika Balandina.

A total of 1,389 students participated in the program's activities, implementing over 195 projects and helping more than 15,000 beneficiaries.

As a clear example of the results of student work, the team that won last year's project competition within the "Service Learning" program presented an advertising brochure for the "Alien Guest" Charitable Foundation.

As a reminder, the Service-Learning program has been implemented at SUM since 2023 and is integrated into the educational process: students address social issues as part of their academic studies. In 2025, SUM was ranked first in Russia for the number of social orders processed in the first quarter, took second place in the All-Russian Competition for Best Practices in Organizing Volunteer and Community Activities in Russian Universities in the category "Best Practices in the Implementation of the Federal Service-Learning Program," and was included in a collection of program case studies at Moscow universities.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: February 13, 2026.

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Official website of the State –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The great Russian ballerina was born on February 12, 1881. In early childhood, Pavlova was impressed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's famous work, The Sleeping Beauty, and fell in love with ballet.

She was rejected from the Imperial Ballet School on her first attempt – she was too weak and sickly. But on her second attempt, Marius Petipa, one of the greatest masters of classical ballet, looked at her and uttered a prophetic phrase: "A feather in the wind. It will fly." At just 10 years old, she was accepted, and her students included such outstanding dancers as Ekaterina Vyazem, Alexander Oblakov, Pavel Gerdt, Evgenia Sokolova, and Marius Petipa. Studying at the school was challenging. Anna Pavlova was completely unfit for the standards of a ballerina of the time, being petite and frail. The strain on her young body was colossal: she had to rise at 8 a.m. and work hard both in class and in rehearsals in the dance halls. In addition to classical pas, the program included the minuet, mazurka, Hungarian dance, and Italian and Spanish dances. To improve her health, her teachers gave Anna cod liver oil.

After graduating from the academy with a gold medal in 1899, the very young ballerina joined the Mariinsky Theatre. There, Pavlova immediately attracted attention. While many aspiring dancers began in the corps de ballet, on September 19 of that year, she was already dancing in Jean Dauberval's La Fille Mal Gardée. It was her debut: the audience was delighted, and critics predicted a great future for the new star.

Pavlova's subsequent solo roles included Carmen, Giselle, King Candaules, The Awakening of Flora, Don Quixote, The Pharaoh's Daughter, Swan Lake, Raymonda, and Le Corsaire, as well as productions by her friend and classmate, the talented choreographer Michel Fokine. It was he who created the miniature "The Swan" for Pavlova, which became a hallmark of Russian ballet worldwide. She performed this dance over 4,000 times worldwide, and each performance was unique in its own way.

The prima ballerina remained with the Mariinsky Theatre until 1913, becoming a touring performer in her final three years. Sergei Diaghilev's "Russian Seasons" captivated Europe, and Anna Pavlova became widely known abroad. She later abandoned her collaboration with the impresario and formed her own company. This led to Pavlova's relationship with Diaghilev deteriorating. The ballerina did not cancel her tour at his request and began performing independently in the finest theaters around the world, visiting more than 40 countries: America, China, Australia, India, Japan, Peru, Egypt, Argentina, New Zealand, Cuba, South Africa, the Philippines, and elsewhere.

Anna Pavlova never returned to Russia. According to one version, in 1910, her lover, Victor Dandre, was put on trial for embezzlement. The ballerina helped him escape, paid a hefty fine of 36,000 rubles, and followed him to England. Victor's return to his homeland was blocked, so Anna decided to stay together. Later, in a conversation with Vertinsky, she admitted that she missed him:

"It's terrible, my friend, terrible! I'm so sad I can't sleep, I cry, I have headaches, I despair! I'm freezing in this cold and foreign country. I'd give anything, without a second thought, for a little dacha with our Russian grass and birch trees, somewhere near Moscow or Petrograd."

The life of the world-famous ballerina was full of events, here are some interesting facts:

Pavlova was very close to animals and found common ground with them easily. She once danced with a snake on her arm, hand-fed a bear sugar, and even adopted a swan, which became tame, lay at her feet, and posed for photographs. In exile, she couldn't part with Russian food. Anna's personal chef prepared buckwheat, cutlets, sturgeon, and other dishes for her. She also set a large table for Christmas and Easter, and a Russian woman who had come to Australia from Siberia helped her get kulichi for the last holiday of her tour. Charlie Chaplin, the famous comedian, was a fan of Pavlova. They met in person in North America and even took a group photo. Pavlova treated her troupe with great care, and according to one of its members, "she would personally draw a grid of iodine on the ankle of one of the dancers, and then send her for a special massage." The ballerina paid a penalty of 21,000 rubles for leaving the Mariinsky Theater. For comparison, a teacher's monthly salary at the time was about 85 rubles. A famous meringue dessert, as delicate and fragile as the ballerina herself, is named after Anna Pavlova.

Anna Pavlova was a living legend, known in every corner of the world. The ballerina died on January 23, 1931, in The Hague. She fell seriously ill during a tour and passed away literally on stage. According to one legend, her last words were, "Bring me my swan costume." Her talent and unique sensuality inspired and continue to delight not only audiences but also the world's leading ballerinas who perform her repertoire today.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: February 12, 2026.

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.