Published on: 2026-04-29
Source: Russian Peoples’ Friendship University – Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
RUDN in April became the main venue for the youth journalism festival “Slovo Za nami,” implemented with grant support from the Moscow Government. The organizers of the venue were the philological faculty of our university and the ANO “Center for Patriotic Education.” Among the participants were also students of RGSU and pupils of school No. 338 named after Hero of the Soviet Union A.F. Avdeev, the “Integral” school, and schools No. 1248 and No. 1529 named after A.S. Griboedov.
A path that requires constant work on oneself
The deputy dean for educational work of the philological faculty, a member of the media festival organizing committee, opened the meeting with a welcoming speechNikolai Bandurin. He noted that journalism is a path requiring constant work on oneself, and such events provide an opportunity to develop professional competencies, gain practical experience, and shape one’s own value guidelines.
Became an honorary guestMaksim Balarev, Hero of the Russian Federation, commander of the anti-tank guided missile platoon 1432 year motorized rifle regiment 2nd guards motorized rifle division 1st of the Guards Tank Army of the Moscow Military District, senior lieutenant, poet and writer, as well as author of poems and songs, participant of a musical ensemble.
Among the guests were participants of the “Media Class in a Moscow School” project and representatives of the All-Russian People’s Front, created on the initiative of the President of the Russian Federation. One of the key areas of the movement’s activity is supporting Russian military personnel and civilians in the special military operation zone. The meeting took place in the format of an open dialogue: participants asked questions, shared thoughts, and communicated with the guest. During the conversation, they discussed the hero’s life path, his creative work, views on the profession, and understanding of heroism.
Without a doubt
Speaking about a key moment in his life, Maksim Balarev noted: “When the mobilization began, I had no doubts.” He emphasized the importance of internal discipline and continuous development: “It is important to maintain an inner dialogue with yourself, to reach agreements. It’s very important not to stop and to learn every day.”
Answering the question about heroism, he added: “We rarely think about this, but even getting up in the morning and going to study is also a kind of heroism. Further life begins with this.”
Special attention was devoted by the guest to the topic of sports. Maksim Baḷarev spoke about his experience and noted that in the future he plans to devote more time to swimming. For over 17 years before participating in the special military operation, he was engaged in coaching and sports activities and holds a black belt in karate (III dan).
Participants of the meeting also touched upon the topic of creativity. Responding to the question about inspiration, Maksim Baariev noted: “I am a fantasist. The stories write themselves. Inspiration now is the experience of war and texts previously written.”
At the end of the eventMaksim Balandarev and Olga Maruk, a board member of the Troitsk district branch of “COMBAT BROTHERHOOD”, performed songs about the soldier “Posylka” and “The Sun in Her Eyes”. The program was supplemented by the performance of a schoolchildDavida Aleksandrova, who read the poem ‘My Army — Russia’.
Concluding the dialogue, Maksim Bazaev addressed the audience with a question:“What is Russia?”and answered:“Russia is me. It is you. And everything happening around is a part of my Russia.”.
It is better to understand the country’s history
After the meeting, the participants shared their impressions.
“Such meetings foster responsibility, respect for the opinions of others, and critical thinking. I especially remembered the conversation about heroism; it makes you reflect on everyday actions,” —Diana Parshina, All-Russian People’s Front.
“Such events help to better understand the history of the country and form a civic position. For me, Russia is my family, my roots, and my responsibility,” —Egor Samoylin, first-year student at RUDN, majoring in “Advertising and Public Relations”.
“Such meetings are important for young people because they provide an example of courage and resilience. The question ‘What is Russia?’ makes one think about values and identity,” —Darya Serova, All-Russian People’s Front.
About the festival “Slovo Za nami”
The organizer of the festival in 2026 —ANO “Center for Patriotic Education”, included in the list of socially oriented organizations of Moscow, which are engaged in the military-patriotic education of the youth of the Russian Federation.
Festival purpose — assistance in professional self-determination and the development of media culture among youth through involvement in creative, educational, and research activities in the field of modern media and communications.Among the tasks:Immersion of young journalists in the real media environment, professional development and qualification improvement for both young correspondents and their mentors, formation of a communication environment for creative youth, support for youth media editorial offices, press centers of schools, colleges, and universities.
In this year, the festival includessix nominations: “Best Editorial”, “Best Journalist”, “Best Stand”, “Best Homework”, “Best Headline” and “Best Editorial Page on VKontakte.”
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