INRTU Staff and Students Honor Victims of Terrorism
On September 3, Russia’s Day of Solidarity in the Fight against Terrorism, INRTU hosted an open discussion, an exhibition and the nationwide Candle of Memory campaign. The events were organized by the INRTU Coordination Center.
The open discussion, held with support from the Ministry of Youth Policy of the Irkutsk Region, featured Viktor Tsibulskas, one of the first commanders of Irkutsk’s SOBR (Special Rapid Response Unit), a veteran of combat operations in the Chechen Republic and a retired police lieutenant colonel, and Russian National Guard Major Evgeny Vorobyov, who took part in a 2010 operation against a terrorist group in the North Caucasus. INRTU students were particularly engaged by the speakers’ candid and personal accounts.
Viktor Tsibulskas shared first-hand accounts from the First Chechen War. His stories of courage, solidarity and challenging operations made a strong impression on the audience.
Evgeny Vorobyov spoke to INRTU students about his combat experience, the realities of service and the injury he sustained while carrying out operational duties. He described candidly how those experiences changed his outlook on life and led him to reconsider what truly matters: friendship, mutual support, love for one’s country and family.
During the discussion, INRTU students asked numerous questions, ranging from details of military service to the officer’s personal views on resilience, overcoming adversity and choosing one’s path in life.
The Day of Solidarity in the Fight against Terrorism continued with the nationwide Candle of Memory campaign.
According to Anna Rozhkova, Director of the INRTU Coordination Center, the Candle of Memory campaign is also traditionally held on the Day of the End of World War II. She noted that both commemorative dates serve as a reminder that security begins with individual responsibility.
The Candle of Memory campaign brought together students, members of the Trade Union Students Club and Youth Policy Department, faculty members and cadets of the INRTU Military Training Center.
The ceremony was opened by INRTU Rector Mikhail Korniakov:
“We have come together to say no to extremism and terrorism. The Candle of Memory campaign is held across Russia, bringing people throughout the country together in opposition to these dangerous threats. Our country is making every effort to counter terrorist attacks.
Events unfolding today only underscore how relevant and important the fight against terrorism and extremism remains. I am confident that together we will do everything we can to prevent such tragedies from happening again and to preserve peace throughout the world”.
Pavel Novikov, Head of the Patriotic Education Center and Head of the INRTU Department of History and Philosophy, emphasized that commemorative dates help people learn from history and understand how to respond to similar challenges today:
“It is important not to lose sight of reality and to treat the actions of previous generations with respect. If we do that, things will certainly turn out well”.
Colonel Maksim Kobets, Head of the INRTU Military Training Center named after Hero of the Soviet Union Colonel General of Aviation V. M. Bezbokov, said:
“By preserving this memory, we show that evil will not go unpunished. May the light of our candles be a symbol that darkness will never prevail”.
University staff and students also joined a citywide commemorative gathering at the Eternal Flame memorial.
