"Destiny and the Motherland are one": actor Dmitry Kharatyan on the unity of Russia's peoples

What brings together people of different nationalities, cultures and generations? In the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin, the National Centre RUSSIA continues to gather perspectives on this question. People's Artist of the Russian Federation Dmitry Kharatyan shared his thoughts, recalling one of the most significant films he has appeared in.

"I was very lucky to have starred in "Midshipmen, Go!" and its sequels. And, if you remember, the film's main song says that destiny and the Motherland are one. That is probably the most important aspect of unity in my view — the main thing that brings us all together: the unity of our aspirations, goals, peoples and state," Dmitry Kharatyan said.

According to the actor, his own life is a clear example of the unity of Russia's peoples.

"I was born in Uzbekistan; my father is Armenian and my mother is Russian, while I am Russian in the broader sense — a citizen of Russia. As the poet Rasul Gamzatov put it: 'In Dagestan, I am an Avar; in Russia, a Dagestani; abroad, a Russian.' The same applies to me, except that here in Russia, rather than abroad, I am Russian, despite my multicultural background. It is absolutely right and wonderful that this year has been declared the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia. Unity is what matters most. Looking back at the history of Rus', we can see that when we stand together, that is where our strength comes from — and it makes us invincible," Dmitry Kharatyan said.

The conversation about what the unity of Russia's peoples means continues. Cultural figures, scientists, athletes and representatives of other professions share their personal reflections, and each perspective points to the same essential idea: our country's strength lies in its multi-ethnic people's ability to stand together.