Student Parade Led by Two-Thousand-Strong Column of INRTU Students
The Student Parade took place in the capital of the Irkutsk Region on September 6. The event brought together eight thousand people fr om 32 higher and secondary professional education institutions. Irkutsk National Research Technical University led the procession, becoming the most numerous participant in this large-scale march. INRTU was represented at the parade by two thousand students and 120 volunteers.
The students were greeted by the Governor of Irkutsk Region, Igor Kobzev:
“Today, the Parade has gathered freshmen from 32 educational institutions in one place. You are the future of our region. You are the future teachers, medical workers, law enforcement officers, scientists, engineers, and managers. You are the driving force of the economy and prosperity of our region. Student life is a truly new stage wh ere you become independent, learn to control yourselves, and take responsibility for your decisions. I am confident that, with the help of mentors, who you will undoubtedly find during your studies, you will choose the paths that bring you happiness and fulfillment”.
Participating in the parade were Alexander Vedernikov, Chairman of the Legislative Assembly of the Irkutsk Region; Margarita Tsyganova, Minister of Youth Policy of the Irkutsk Region; and Vladislav Smetanin, Chairman of the Student Coordinating Council. The event was also joined by INRTU Rector Mikhail Korniakov and Vice-Rector for Youth Policy Daria Lobanova.
Employees of the INRTU Trade Union Students Club, as part of the Student Coordinating Council, ensured safety and handled the setup and dismantling of the event grounds.
The parade commenced from the Trud Stadium. Students ceremoniously carried flags along Sudarev Lane, Krasnogo Vostaniya Street, and Gagarin Boulevard to the square near the monument to Alexander III.
The key event of the parade was the student initiation ceremony. In honor of the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland, universities prepared information stands with stories about the support provided by Irkutsk students to the front during the Great Patriotic War and modern assistance to fellow countrymen in military service. The organizers presented awards to student participants of the special military operation, as well as gifts to those celebrating their birthdays.
The event program included concert performances, “a battle of the universities” competition, and prize draws from partners. Parade participants could visit interactive zones with master classes. The «Добро.рф» zone, which collected humanitarian aid for orphanage children, was particularly popular. In total, students managed to collect one hundred kilograms of children's clothing, hygiene products, and school supplies for families in need of support.
It is worth noting that the Student Parade has been held in Irkutsk since 2016. The organizers are the Student Coordinating Council (SCC), the Ministry of Youth Policy of Irkutsk Region, and the Administration of the city of Irkutsk.
