State Honors and Prizes: Putin Personally Presents New Prizes to Russians Building a Better Russia
Our country is celebrating Russia Day, a relatively young holiday but one that already has its own traditions. One of them is presenting State Prizes. There are recipients today with achievements in various fields, but they all have one thing in common. Putin has called the recipients "architects," thanks to whom our future is ensured.
Dmitry Kaistro reports with the details.
Presenting the country's main prize is a special, festive event that takes place on Russia Day each year. Those who embody the glory and pride of the nation get awarded by the President.
President Putin: "Today is Russia Day, and we're all thinking about our country's future, our Motherland's future, Russia's future. The foundation of said future is created today by talented, wonderful, hard-working people. We have hundreds of thousand, even millions of them all around the country. We all know that while we have such "architects" as our recipients presented here today, this future is ensured, and it will be alright".
The ceremony was held in the white-golden St. George's hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace. This is where the best of the best are traditionally awarded. The State Prize is awarded by the President personally, rewarding merits in science and culture before society and the nation. Three scientists from the RSA photochemistry center, Mikhail Alfimov, Sergey Gromov, and Aleksandr Chemisov became State Prize recipients for creating complex molecular systems.
Mikhail Alfimov, the State Prize of the Russian Federation recipient: "We try to create large molecules, or "supramolecules," on a nano-level. These molecules mimic the functions of certain biological mechanisms".
Russia's leading endocrinologist, Ivan Dedov, is awarded the State Prize for new methods of diagnosing diabetes and treating endocrine tumors.
Ivan Dedov, the State Prize of the Russian Federation recipient: "This is a new, promising trend in Russia's medical industry which allows predicting exposure to various diseases and neutralizing them in time".
This scientist decided to donate his award.
Ivan Dedov: "I'll donate my cash prize to children's foundations".
Evgeny Rogaev, a genetic scientist, was awarded the State Prize for discovering genes and mechanisms that are responsible for hereditary diseases.
Evgeny Rogaev, the State Prize of the RF recipient: "There are over 7,000 rare diseases at this time. We currently know about approximately 2,000 genes that are responsible for such diseases".
Irina Antonova, the President of the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, a State Prize recipient for humanitarian merits, was greeted with long applause. Irina Aleksandrovna has served Russian and global fine arts culture her whole life.
Irina Antonova, the State Prize of the Russian Federation recipient: "I work every day, I just finished the December Nights exhibition. I also have another project that I really love, I have many affairs to attend to".
Yuri Temirkanov, a world-famous conductor and State Prize recipient, has been the director of the Saint Petersburg Philharmonia for 30 years. As the maestro jokes, he has keen hearing and a great sense of smell for music and people.
Yuri Temirkanov, the State Prize of the RF recipient: "I'm old, I have a big nose, and I can tell if you're one of us as soon as I meet you".
While conducting the most famous orchestras in the world, Temirkanov considers his work in his hometown to be the most important.
President Putin: "Yuri Khatuevich says that his soul belongs to St. Petersburg. Is that right?"
Another extraordinary St. Petersburg native was awarded by the President as well. This is Boris Eifman, the Art Director of the Leningrad Ballet Ensemble.
Boris Eifman, the State Prize of the RF recipient: "The 40-year-long path was worth it. We've created a unique routine for the Russian ballet that is now world-famous".
Svetlana Sivkova, the founder of the World Ocean Museum, was awarded the State Prize for her merits in studying and preserving Russia's maritime heritage.
Svetlana Sivkova, the State Prize of the RF recipient: "Russia is a grand maritime nation, and we must not give ground in the seven seas. Mostly because of the need for the preservation of the Earth's natural heritage, a planet that could be rightfully called "the Ocean Planet," looking at it from outer space, is a worthy act."
The State Prize, awarded by the President, is a form of recognition of extraordinary Russian citizens who didn't just achieve great things in their fields, but who are defining Russia's present and future with their achievements.
President Putin: "I'm certain that you feel great joy living the way you do. You dedicate your strengths, knowledge, and talent to your mission. You achieve great results in something you've put your soul in, your calling that you're so loyal to. You amaze, surprise, and inspire others with the incredible results of your labor. You greatly contribute to your country and its people".
The President continued socializing after the ceremony, too. The country's leader personally congratulated every recipient.
— God bless you, be well.
— Stay strong.
— Be well and stay strong.
— I appreciate it.
Dmitry Kaistro, Petr Rovnov, Natalya Lundovskaya, Viktor Vinogradov, Aleksandr Antonov. Vesti.