Yury Trutnev shares what homeland means to him in the "What Does the Motherland Begin With?" project
The Motherland begins with far more than a birthplace recorded on a birth certificate, believes Yury Trutnev, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia and Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District. Speaking to the Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA as part of the "What Does the Motherland Begin With?" project, he recalled that although his passport lists the city of Perm as his birthplace, he spent his entire childhood in a small settlement situated deep in the Ural forests. According to Yury Trutnev, it was there, surrounded by nature and childhood friends, that he developed the profound sense of belonging he has carried with him throughout his life.
"My birth certificate says 'Perm', but that is not entirely true, because I spent my entire childhood — from my earliest years until I was almost grown up — in the settlement of Divya, deep in the Ural forests. So I can say that my first memories of where and how I lived are connected with forests, trees, birds and wild animals, as well as with the friends I went into the forest with to cook potatoes in a campfire. I have kept that love for the forest, the taiga and my native places to this day. I also cannot help but think of my mother and the stories she told me. So, for me, the Motherland is what is here," said Yury Trutnev.
The National Centre RUSSIA is implementing the nationwide "What Does the Motherland Begin With?" project with the support of the Government of the Russian Federation. The initiative aims to strengthen people's connection with their country while preserving its cultural diversity and shared values through dialogue between people of different generations, regions and nationalities.
The first stage of the project is already under way. A survey has been launched on the russia.ru website, where anyone can share what the Motherland means to them, either in writing or by recording a short video message.
More than 700 people from 71 regions of Russia and from abroad have already taken part. Most respondents (64.2%) associate the Motherland first and foremost with family. Other frequently mentioned themes include a comfortable home, young people and children, well-being, and the defence of the Fatherland.
From July to September, the project will continue with a series of discussions entitled "The Motherland Is Its People", bringing together public officials, opinion leaders and participants from across the regions to discuss the role of individuals in the country's achievements. From September to October, the programme will continue with "The Motherland Is Service", featuring inspiring conversations with distinguished representatives of different professions. From November to December, regional governors will take part in the "The Motherland Is Home" series, sharing how their regions are developing, preserving traditions and strengthening unity among Russia's peoples.
The National Centre RUSSIA invites everyone to take part in the survey and share their own thoughts on what the Motherland begins with. You can tell your personal story about what your homeland means to you by following the link.
