On April 28–29, 2025, the city of Penza successfully hosted the 15th Interregional Scientific and Practical Conference for students participating in the local history movement titled “I Love You, My Native Land! ”. The event was dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War (1941–1945).

More than 300 students from various regions of the Volga region, the Urals, Siberia, and Kazakhstan submitted local history research projects. Over 40 finalists — winners and laureates of the contest — attended the final round in person, delivering thematic presentations and defending their projects.

An expert jury composed of scholars, educators, and specialists from Penza and Tatarstan evaluated the works and awarded diplomas for first to third place in different nomination categories.

Conference Proceedings Published

Participants received a copy of the newly published Conference Proceedings, titled “I Love You, My Native Land!” (Penza, 2025, 216 pages). This edition includes 151 student works divided into thematic sections such as:

• “History of My Family and Clan. Living Chronicle”

• “Military History: Soldier of Another War”

• “The Great Patriotic War: Chronicle of Victory”

• “Literary Local History: Poems, Stories, and Tales of My Region”

• “Victory Through the Eyes of Descendants”

• “Who Are You If Not a Tatar?”

• “Creative Works: Victory Vernissage”

Endorsements and Editorial Support

The collection opens with welcome messages from prominent politicians, scholars, teachers, and public figures, including:

• Ildar Gilmutdinov, Chairman of the Council of National-Cultural Autonomy of Tatars and State Duma Deputy

• Oleg Yagov, Deputy Chairman of the Government of Penza Region, Doctor of History, Professor

• Venera Mukhametzhanova, acting Chair of the Tatar National-Cultural Autonomy of Penza Region, Candidate of Psychological Sciences

• Professor Azat Burkhanov, Head of the Committee for Tatar Local History at the World Congress of Tatars

• Gulnara Samochkina, History Teacher and Conference Coordinator

• Olga Kerimova, Public Chamber Commission Chair

• Elena Firsova, Director of the Center for Humanitarian Education, Candidate of Historical Sciences

• Albina Shabanova, Executive Director of the Penza Tatar Autonomy

• Dr. Marina Lygina, Professor at Penza State University

• Natalia Rudchenko, Director of Penza Children’s Art School No. 1

• Svetlana Baibulatova, Deputy Director of School No. 74 in Penza

A Tribute to the Heroes

The collected essays provide touching and vivid stories about wartime heroes, aiming to express gratitude to the men and women of the Great Patriotic War — our great-grandfathers, grandfathers, fathers, and mothers, whose bravery and labor saved future generations.

This new publication is not only a gift to the people of Penza Region and neighboring areas, but also a valuable contribution to the cultural memory of Russia, especially in the Year of the 80th Anniversary of Victory in WWII.

Reported by: A.A. Burkhanov.