An event commemorating the 80th anniversary of the complete liberation of Leningrad from the Nazi blockade was held on January 26 at the Department of Humanities of Dagestan State Medical University (DSMU). The event was attended by Zaira Abdullaeva, Acting Head of Humanities Department; Ilyas Shamov, Assistant Dean of Dentistry Faculty; teachers of Humanities Department, and students.

The Acting Head of the Department of Humanities, Ms Zaira Abdullayeva, welcomed the audience and shared her experiences visiting the Piskarevsky Cemetery in Saint Petersburg, where people were buried during the Siege. She said: “We must both preserve the memory of the past and ensure that such tragedies never happen in our country again.”

Then a member of the Russian society “Znanie” Raiganat Abakarova spoke about the history of the liberation of Leningrad.

Raiganat Abakarova noted that the blockade lasted from September 8, 1941 to January 27, 1944 – a long 872-day period. The day of lifting of the blockade on the city of Leningrad stands as an important day in the military history of Russia, as Leningrad has been awarded the title “Hero City”.

They recalled the dreadful famine, the bread card system, the lack of warm clothing in the winter months, and other difficulties that lay upon the citizens of Leningrad during those difficult times. Children assisted their elders by working at machines, growing food, and taking care of the injured. And there was only one way to bring food and supplies to the city: by Lake Ladoga, which was known as the “Road of Life.” Courage, patriotism, faith in victory, and love for one’s family enabled the citizens of Leningrad to survive the blockade and await their liberation! The participants expressed their gratitude to Z. Abdullayeva and Mr. R. Abakarova for their lectures. The siege of Leningard was a testament to the humanity, dignity, and love of one’s family that is found in every human being. It also reminded us of the compassion and kindness that can be found in even the most difficult situations. The lecture reminded us to cherish our country, and always be worthy of our heroic ancestors who gave their lives for this country.

Dina Balgishieva