Highlights from the President's presentation of the "For Spiritual Revival" award
One of the traditions of sovereign Belarus is the awarding of prizes to deserving individuals during the Christmas days, thanks to whom the country is developing and, most importantly, strengthening spiritually and culturally. Alexander Lukashenko, as always, personally arrived at the Palace of the Republic to honor the merits of true devotees and guardians of the soul of the Belarusian people.
At the Palace of the Republic, cultural figures were honored for preserving and enriching the national treasury, awakening interest in folk crafts, and fostering respect for national traditions. Among the awardees were also clergymen, doctors, social workers — compassionate individuals who extended a helping hand to those facing difficulties. Selflessly, responding to the call of the heart, they care for children who find themselves in difficult life situations. Belarus also takes pride in the achievements of its renowned athletes and coaches at the largest global tournaments, who have been awarded the "Belarusian Sports Olympus" prize.
— Thanks to people like you, patriots, creators, our native Belarus remains an island of peace, tranquility, humanity, and mercy, — emphasized the President.
On historical memory and a bold look into the future
Alexander Lukashenko stated that all the achievements of the laureates and their activities have a high spiritual and patriotic resonance. This is especially important now, as the country prepares to celebrate a sacred date — the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory.
— We carefully preserve the memory of the past, confidently move forward, and boldly look to the future, — emphasized the Belarusian leader.
He noted that each success of the laureates inspires many Belarusians to new deeds, equally good, humane, and very necessary.
— Therefore, year after year, we meet on this stage with people driven by the most sincere feelings — loyalty to their calling and love for their native land, — said Alexander Lukashenko.
On the foundation of the state and life-giving elixirs
— It is precisely thanks to you, esteemed laureates, and your service to high ideals that we successfully withstand the challenges that time presents to us. The time of chaos, wars, and devaluation of true values, — the President addressed the ceremony participants. — And the truth is simple: at the core of any human activity lies spirituality and morality (as I often say, justice) — life-giving elixirs for culture, a strong connection between generations and traditions.
— They are also the foundation of national unity, which knows its history, honors the legacy of its ancestors, and cares for the future. The foundation of what defines the character of the people. Spirituality and morality are the foundation of a strong, independent state, — emphasized the head of state.
On the unconditional preservation of statehood
— We will do everything in the upcoming five-year period so that our country forever forgets the problem of preserving its statehood. Our country will always be a state, despite any currents and trends on the international stage, — assured the head of state.
These words of Alexander Lukashenko were met with applause in the hall.
On upcoming difficulties and the task of "straining twice as hard"
Alexander Lukashenko once again publicly warned a large audience that the coming year would be challenging. But he is confident that the people of Belarus will be able to cope with these new challenges.
— Remember, no matter who promises you golden mountains here, we will have to strain twice as hard as in the previous year. But we will overcome all difficulties. Not only because I want to say the banal: "We are united, we are inspired." We have learned to work! In difficult conditions. When we are pressured from all sides, — emphasized the head of state.
Alexander Lukashenko reminded that at one time he called on everyone to simply work and move forward, forgetting about sanctions. And this literally saved the country.
— If only we, Belarusians, — emotional people — had immersed ourselves in these reflections on the sanctions policy, listen, we would have collapsed the economy, and subsequently our life and our state. Therefore, sanctions or no sanctions — life simply unfolds in such a way that in any situation we will have to survive, withstand this pressure. We will endure it! — the Belarusian leader is confident.
On the five-year plan under the slogan of peace and security
— If there is peace, everything else will follow. We must preserve peace for Belarus. And we will do this together with you, — said the head of state.
On the new generation to whom the country is entrusted
Another important thesis of the head of state is about the change of generations. Not only in power but also in various fields of activity. Alexander Lukashenko spoke about this at Christmas in the church and mentioned it again now.
— We are handing our country over to a new generation. We will have to shape this generation and we will have to seat them in their chairs — creative workers, culture, and so on, and so forth. And in power. A very difficult task, but we are determined to organize and carry it out, — stated the Belarusian leader.
On the wish to rejoice and smile whenever possible
The President addressed everyone with warm wishes and congratulations on Christmas, urging them not to worry and not to be sad.
— Happiness to you! Don’t worry. Listen, life is not only made up of what will happen tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, and so on. It is important to see the next day. But we live every day, and today. Today is bright days, bright holidays — New Year, Christmas. Soon, God willing, Easter… — he said. — Therefore, always, whenever possible, smile, have fun, and rejoice, — smile, have fun, and rejoice. Happiness to you, prosperity, and success!
The head of state also wished all Belarusians peace, goodness, prosperity, and success, to be close to their loved ones.