Dear colleagues, students, and friends!

I heartily congratulate you on National Unity Day!

‘Almost four centuries ago, in the most difficult times of division and civil strife, our multinational country united to preserve the independence and statehood of Russia. Its great citizens Kuzma Minin and Dmitry Pozharsky led the people's militia, which stopped the Time of Troubles and returned law and order to our land,’ in one of his speeches, Russian President Vladimir Putin noted.

Since 2005, our country has been celebrating a wonderful holiday – National Unity Day, which is historically associated with the liberation of Moscow from the Poles, when (in 1612) a church-state holiday was established in honour of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, with the image of which the militia fought under the walls of the Novodevichy Convent, and then liberated the Kremlin.

Today, we associate this holiday not only with historical events, but also with the social and political situation we are all participating in. Surely, now more than ever in our country the unity and solidarity of all the people, all political power, and all generations are in demand. I believe that our university can be proud of such unity, where venerable scientists who are heading world-famous scientific schools, and their young colleagues, who today win scientific grants, create new research teams, and publish articles in highly rated journals. Our students, winners of numerous contests, leaders of public associations, mentors of junior undergraduates, also show themselves well.

Each of us contributes to the university's “unity” strategy. We are systematically moving towards a common goal – to strengthen the position and authority of the university at the national and international levels. SSU is increasing its scientific potential, introducing new teaching methods, expanding the range of curriculums following the requirements of the time.

Let the university team of scientists, a well-coordinated team of staff and students continue working for the prosperity of the university, as well as the development of the region and the country. Let not only this holiday, but also every new day become a day of unity, creation, and mutual understanding for you.

I hope that all of you, dear colleagues and students, will stay healthy, happy, take part in joyful events, and have indestructible faith in your university and in your country.

Rector of Saratov State University

Aleksei Chumachenko