"The Motherland begins with mum": participants in the II Forum of Women of the North answer the question by the National Centre RUSSIA

Love for one's mother, memory of ancestors, family traditions and care for nature — this is what, according to participants of the II Forum of Women of the North, the Motherland begins with. They shared their reflections as part of the all-Russian survey "What Does the Motherland Begin With?", conducted by the National Centre RUSSIA and bringing together people of different ages living in various parts of the country.

During the II Forum of Women of the North, held at the National Centre RUSSIA, participants from across the country spoke about what the Motherland means to them and what values lie at the heart of this feeling. Despite their different life stories, many said the same thing — the Motherland begins with family, love and memory that a person carries throughout their life. For Daria Neustroeva, the answer was deeply personal.

"The Motherland begins with mum. It is a mother's love that is the first love a person ever feels. It is passed on to us from the very first days of our lives, and with it comes love for the Motherland. Through our mums, we learn to love, to care and to feel a connection to the place where we were born," noted the forum participant.

Maria Belyaeva also spoke about family values and the continuity of generations. In her words, the feeling of the Motherland is born in childhood — through upbringing, family traditions and the example of elders. Her grandparents played a special role, teaching her to respect people, to love nature and to see value in the simplest things. It is from such daily lessons, she believes, that the great feeling of love for one's country is built.

Victoria Glazova believes that the feeling of the Motherland cannot be separated from one's roots: "The Motherland begins with our cradle. And the cradle is our native land, our ancestors, parents, customs and traditions. All of this accompanies a person from birth and becomes the foundation on which love for one's country is built."

The survey "What Does the Motherland Begin With?" is conducted by the National Centre RUSSIA with the support of the Government of the Russian Federation. The project is aimed at preserving traditional values, strengthening a sense of unity and fostering open dialogue between people of different generations living in various corners of our country. Anyone wishing to participate in the survey can do so either in person at the National Centre RUSSIA by recording a video interview or online by submitting a written response or a video message via the link on the official website.