I. Metshin: “The achievements of labor collectives and citizens affirm honor and glory of Kazan by their labor”

(KZN.RU, August 30, Ekaterina Vislavskaya). Celebratory events in honor of the Day of Kazan and the Day of the Republic of Tatarstan began today with the traditional celebration in the City Hall. At the annual city meeting, Ilsur Metshin, the Mayor of Kazan, presented the highest city and republican awards, marked the merits of workers of organizations and enterprises.

Opening the event, the Mayor noted that the city achieved good results to the holiday. Large-scale programs for capital repair of roads, polyclinics, kindergartens, schools are being implemented in Kazan, the city master plan is being developed, and the Football World Cup was successfully held. These achievements are the merit of the residents of the capital. “There is a feeling of pride when I see the new Kazan, which is becoming more beautiful every year. This is the work of each of you. I sincerely thank you for your dedication to the city, faithful service to your cause, for your enormous contribution to the prosperity of Kazan and the Republic of Tatarstan”, he said. “Today, the honor and glory of Kazan affirm by the achievements of labor collectives and citizens. And one of the most significant events, traditions on the city's day is to award the city's highest awards, the honorary title “Honorary Citizen of Kazan”. This is a celebration in honor of outstanding people who have made a great contribution to the prosperity and glorification of Kazan, the capital of our republic. This year this high rank awarded to people who made their personal contribution to the development of Kazan as the sports capital of Russia and one of the leading centers of fundamental science”.

The Kazan Honor Book has been solemnly carried into the hall, the awarding ceremony began. It includes the names of individual citizens, the names of enterprises, organizations, institutions, public organizations and associations of the city that make a significant contribution to the development of various spheres of activity and to the growth of the prosperity of the capital of Tatarstan and the increase of its authority in the republic, Russia and abroad.

This time, the title of an honorary citizen of Kazan for public activities and a significant contribution to the development of fundamental science and Russian cosmonautics have been awarded to Ural Zakirov, an Honored researcher and creator of space technology, Doctor of Physics and Mathematics, leading scientific associate of the Department of Astronomy and Space Geodesy of the Kazan Federal University, honorary member of the Academy of Cosmonautics named after K. Tsiolkovsky. The title for a significant contribution to the development of physical culture and sports was given to Shamil Tarpishchev, a member of the Presidential Council of the Russian Federation for Physical Culture and Sports, a member of the Executive Committee of the Russian Olympic Committee, a member of the International Olympic Committee. They received certificates of the established pattern and breastplates today from the hands of the Mayor of Kazan.

“It is a great honor for me to be with you, great people in this room, honorable citizens”, said the athlete. “Being a member of the International Olympic Committee, I fly a lot. I happen to be in many countries, and no statements by my opponents will be able to destroy by any of their actions that respect, the pride that Kazan won in the world community. What is being done in the city and the republic is admirable”. Shamil Tarpischev added that he was proud of Tatarstan for being the strongest region in Russia for the development of sports. He noted that recognition makes him work harder and look for new approaches, and promised to strive for new achievements.

In addition, the Kazan Public Joint Stock Company “Organichesky Sintez” (Rus. “Organic Synthesis”) was included in the Honor Book. Farid Minigulov, the general director of the enterprise, received the award from the hands of Ilsur Metshin.

The award ceremony continued after the performance of the dance ensemble “Kazan”. The Mayor presented state awards of the Republic of Tatarstan, as well as city awards of Kazan, such as the Certificate of Honor of Kazan, the gratitude of the Mayor of Kazan, and the distinction “For the Impeccable Service of Kazan”. They were given to employees of enterprises and organizations of the city, engaged in various spheres from the field of improvement and education to transport transportation and engineering. Albert Asadullin, an Honored Artist of the RSFSR, a People's Artist of the RT, Aidar Suleimanov, a Laureate of International and All-Russian Competitions, the choir of the State Song and Dance Ensemble of the RT, State Ensemble of Folklore Music of the RT, show-theater “Sharm”, and other famous artists congratulated heads of structural units of the Executive Committee of Kazan, heads of district administrations, representatives of educational institutions, culture, and honorary citizens of the city.

The celebration of the Day of the City and Republic of Tatarstan in Kazan will continue simultaneously at several venues and will end with traditional fireworks. The full program of events is published in a special section on the KZN.RU portal.