"Energy of the Young": exposition on youth movements from the Soviet past to the present day opens at the National Centre RUSSIA in Yugra
A red neckerchief, a school desk with an inkwell, a photograph by a Pioneer campfire — all this was part of the childhood of millions of Soviet children. Today, their grandchildren and great-grandchildren choose "Eaglets of Russia", the Yunarmiya (Young Army) and the Movement of the First. The "Energy of the Young" exposition has opened at the National Centre RUSSIA in Yugra, covering more than a century of history. The Governor of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area — Yugra, Ruslan Kukharuk, took part in the opening of the exposition.
"This exposition is devoted to youth movements that have been active in our country for more than 100 years. Many projects of past years have left a noticeable mark on the map of Yugra. Oil fields, new cities, roads, bridges and airports were created by young people who came to develop Western Siberia and linked their lives with our region. Today, the exposition helps visitors see the history of the country and Yugra through people united by shared ideas, a desire to create and a commitment to working for the good of the Motherland," Ruslan Kukharuk said.
The exposition shows how the role of young people changed together with the country. The main idea running through the entire exposition is "A Pioneer Is an Example to All Children". This slogan from the Soviet past has acquired a new meaning today: to be first in good deeds, studies, helping others and bold initiatives.
The exposition is divided into four conceptual sections. The first explores the Soviet system: Little Octobrists, Pioneers, Komsomol members and student construction teams. One of the stands features rare footage of Pioneer Sergei Ryzhikov, the future Hero of Russia and test cosmonaut. Nearby is his autograph, which he left specially for the exposition. Visitors will also find the unusual "Pioneer’s Desk" photo zone with genuine school items from those years. The colour red in this hall is a reminder of neckerchiefs, banners and stars.
"We still remember the rules of the Little Octobrists and are proud of the Pioneer units of Yugra. The 1984 capsule we are showing today is our memory of the explorers of oil fields. Many people say, 'Young people are not what they used to be.' But they are exactly the same: together with us, veterans, they join search teams, ask questions and continue traditions. Because a person must love their Motherland and preserve its history," said Iraida Samolovova, Deputy Chair of the Khanty-Mansi District Public Organisation of Veterans.
Continuity is the main thread running through the entire exposition. Soviet traditions are continued today by student teams, "Zarnitsa 2.0", the Yunarmiya (Young Army), "Eaglets of Russia" and the Movement of the First. The values are the same: friendship, responsibility and love for the Motherland, now expressed in a modern way.
"Student teams played a huge role in the history of Yugra. Tens of thousands of young people built cities and roads when the region was only being developed. Today, our student construction team members continue this tradition: for example, they took part in the creation of the Star of the Ob Bridge. This is our shared pride," said Murad Kaziahmedov, Head of the Khanty-Mansi Regional Branch of the Russian Student Teams.
The next section is devoted to "smart leisure": intellectual clubs, KVN, the Russian society Znanie and scientific volunteering. For example, visitors can follow the popular science route "Secrets of the Subsoil and Scientific Discoveries" using a QR code. The idea is simple: knowledge can be a game, an adventure and a way to help others. A young researcher who can joke, think and act is the main hero of this section.
The third section is about memory and care. Here, Victory Volunteers and search teams stand alongside medical volunteers and the Ready for Labour and Defence complex. Honouring history and helping people today are links in the same chain. The stands feature finds made by search teams, letters of gratitude and elements of the uniform worn by modern volunteers.
The exposition concludes with a section about Yugra. It is devoted to the Youth Centre of Yugra and the Dobrino educational academy, Russia’s only year-round centre where people are taught to work in the non-profit sector and launch social projects.
The "Energy of the Young" exposition is already welcoming guests and residents of Khanty-Mansiysk. Come to the National Centre RUSSIA in Yugra to explore the exposition. Admission is free, with prior registration on the website.
