Large families are the country's greatest wealth: awards for raising children and parental achievements presented in Yugra

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Behind each of these awards — the Medal of the Order of Parental Glory, "Maternal Glory" and "Paternal Glory" — lies a family's story of daily effort, love and care. A ceremony presenting state and regional awards to large families was held on 23 October at the National Centre RUSSIA in Yugra. It opened the IV Interregional Forum "Decade of Childhood. Happy Families — Happy Children", being held in Khanty-Mansiysk. The awards were presented by the Governor of Yugra, Ruslan Kukharuk. 

"Children are our present and our future, and today we are all working together to make that future wonderful for our region and our entire country. We are creating conditions in which happy families can flourish. It is particularly gratifying to present awards to people whose personal example shows how to contribute to strengthening their families, their family lines and, of course, our state," noted the Governor of Yugra, Ruslan Kukharuk. 

The regional head also recalled that the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, had declared 2026 the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia. According to the governor, unity is what takes us forward, and by coming together we can achieve any goal. He noted that working together for children's future brings families, professionals and civic activists together. 

Two families from Surgut, each raising four children, received the state award — the Medal of the Order of Parental Glory. One was the family of Sergei and Irina Moor. The couple said that mutual understanding and support are the foundations of their family life. Together, they collect humanitarian aid for servicemen. This cause is particularly close to their hearts: Sergei himself took part in the special military operation. Alongside his military decorations, he now has an award for raising children. 

"This means a great deal to us. Above all, it is a state award, recognising years of hard work and raising children, and the friendship and love in our family. A happy family is one where everyone gets along and stands up for one another. Support is the most important thing," the parents said. 

Three families received Yugra's "Maternal Glory" Medal, and another two were awarded the "Paternal Glory" Medal. Among the recipients was Vladimir Yermolayev from Nefteyugansk. He and his wife have raised six children. 

"The first thing I want to say is that Yugra is the best place on earth. Everything is being done here to help families thrive and children fulfil their deepest wishes and their highest ambitions in their careers and lives. The most important secret to raising children is, of course, love and mutual understanding. How could you not love such wonderful children? They bring us joy and fill our lives with meaning," the father emphasised. 

He also recalled that his wife, Tatyana Yermolayeva, had received the "Maternal Glory" Medal two years earlier. According to Vladimir, the state recognises parents' contribution to raising children, while the children themselves carry on their family line and are the mark they leave on the world. 

These families have different stories, but they all convey the same message: a strong family is built on daily care for one another, respect, the ability to offer support in difficult times and to keep a home warm and loving over many years. 

The ceremony opened the forum's business programme. This year, the forum, dedicated to supporting families and children, brought together professionals, civic activists and experts from 19 regions of the country. Following the awards ceremony, the programme continued with thematic labs, where participants discussed developing parenting skills, the social safety of families and children, and the nation's health. Family workshops, interactive activities and a children's press centre have been organised for guests and young participants.