Sergei Bezrukov: The Motherland is the memory of our ancestors

Theatre and film actor, director, producer, People's Artist of the Russian Federation and Artistic Director of the Gorky Moscow Art Theatre Sergei Bezrukov joined the National Centre RUSSIA's All-Russian project "What Does the Motherland Begin With?". At the "Motherland Is People. Our Values" meeting on 4 September, he noted that the Motherland begins with those who came before us: with the history of our own family and the generations of ancestors who shaped not only the fate of their family line, but that of the entire country.

"The word Motherland comes from the word 'kin'. So for me, it is the memory of our ancestors. That is where the Motherland begins: when you know the generations that came before you — your great-grandfather, your great-great-grandfather. When you study the history of your family. And that, of course, creates a bond that is absolutely unbreakable. This is something we need to know. So for me, the Motherland is first and foremost memory. An unbreakable memory," said Sergei Bezrukov.

The actor's words echo the central idea of the "What Does the Motherland Begin With?" project: a sense of belonging grows from knowing one's roots, respecting the past, believing in the future and understanding the unbreakable bond between generations.

The "What Does the Motherland Begin With?" project is implemented by the National Centre RUSSIA with the support of the Government of the Russian Federation. Around 1,000 people from 74 regions of Russia and other countries have already shared their answers to this deeply personal question. Anyone can take part in the project by sharing their thoughts in a comment or video on the russia.ru website.