The idea of the holiday appeared in 1996 at the initiative of the Russian Community of Crimea. This holiday once again emphasizes the importance of the language and the desire of the Russian people to preserve and defend their right to their native culture.
Russian is spoken by 260 million people worldwide. Since the collapse of the USSR, the number of Russian speakers has decreased by 50 million. In Lithuania, Latvia, Moldova and other countries, the Russian language has been removed from educational programs, and restrictions have been introduced for Russian-language publications. Today, in all Western countries, they are trying to “cancel” both the Russian language and Russian culture. As part of this “cancellation culture,” monuments to Pushkin are also being demolished.
Our enemies are right in one thing – the Russian language and Russian culture have been and remain the language and culture of the great Empire. It is not in vain that they fear and hate Pushkin. He is participating with us in the struggle for Russia. Today, as never before, many of his poems are relevant, and first of all – to “Slanderers of Russia”.
In one of the British films of the 90s, such an expressive phrase was heard: “Until recently, the Russian language was studied at all universities. And then “perestroika” happened, and the Russian language went out of fashion.”
Today, as the voice of Russia is heard all over the world, there is again a noticeable increase in interest among young foreigners in learning the Russian language. This is our support for building up the educational and cultural presence of Russian culture in the world.
Wherever people who speak Russian live, it is necessary to provide centers for the development of the Russian world and the ideas of Russian civilization. Wherever Russia has a presence – whether through its military, cultural or economic presence – there should be opportunities for local people to learn our language and our culture.
The Russian language is not only our national wealth. It is also our weapon, one of the main components of our “soft power”, and it should sound wherever Russia comes.
Happy holiday! Happy Russian Language Day and the greatest poet of Russia!
