November 17 - The International Students' Day

Dear friends!

As we prepare for The International Student Day - one of our academy's favourite holidays - not many of us think about its history. But this date has a tragic past. And it is associated with the bloody events of World War II, which took place on October 28, 1939 in Czechoslovakia occupied that times by the Nazis. Over time, the holiday changed its "political colour." Nowadays it is filled with a life-affirming pathos of youth creativity.

The student years are the most unforgettable and happy time in the life of a person with a higher education diploma. This is the time when we not only master the knowledge, competencies and skills of the future profession. We also make friends with whom later we do not break up in life. It is very important to use the years of study at the university with benefit not only for yourself, but for your relatives and friends, and for your country as well.

Today we are witnessing that Belarus has created real conditions for getting prestigious education. Suffice it to say that there are as many as 50 higher educational institutions in the country, of which 42 are universities, institutes and academies with a state form of ownership. Belarusian universities train specialists in 15 profiles, which include over 400 specialities and specializations. According to the Education Level Index, our country ranks 32nd in the world. And for such an indicator as "Access to basic knowledge," we hold 17th position among 163 countries.

The state does everything to make the youth of independent Belarus feel like true owners of the country. The results of the implementation of youth policy are clearly visible on the example of the Belarusian State the Orders of the October Revolution and the Labour Red Banner Agricultural Academy. We have all the conditions for studying, playing sports, comprehensive personal development. And it's no coincidence. It is you, the future of Belarus, who are the subject of special care, responsibility and pride of the teaching staff and the entire labour collective of the Belarusian State Agricultural Academy.

Congratulating you on The International Day of Students, I would like to wish you to remember the main commandment - to study well. Study the history of our Motherland, in which there were many tragic pages. Grow up to be patriots, respect the older generation, honor the feat of the Soviet people during the Great Patriotic War. It has always been important. Patriotism and a firm civic position are in great demand in the society today.

Dear guys! I wish you success in your studies, in your scientific research, in the cultural, sports, public life of the academy. Be proud to study at one of the best universities in the country. Appreciate, cherish and multiply its traditions. Stay optimistic and confident that you will always be in demand in our independent and beloved Belarus!

Sincerely,
Vitaly VELIKANOV
Rector