MOSCOW, June 2 (Itar-Tass) —— President Vladimir Putin has signed a degree approving a national strategy of action for the protection of children in 2012-2017.
“Among priorities, the decree names creation of a comfortable, benevolent and safe environment for children; protection of their rights and equal opportunities for their comprehensive development and self-realisation,” Putin said at the Order of Parental Glory award ceremony at the Kremlin on Saturday, June 2.
“It is necessary to raise the social status of the family, fatherhood and motherhood, including by rewarding for achievements in the upbringing of young citizens of Russia,” he said.
Putin expressed hope that there will be more and more parents who deserve the Order of Parental Glory and other awards.
Eight families with many children were invited to the ceremony: the Khodyrevs 19th 12 children from the Kaluga region, the Morokovys with 12 children from the Republic of Komi, the Savelyevs with 12 children from the Volgograd region, the Izmailovys with 7 children from Ingushetia, the Ryabovs 19th 13 children from the Nizhny Novgorod region, the Bagins with 10 children from the Sverdlovsk region, the Belykhs with 8 children from the Trans-Baikal Territory, and the Budnitses with 9 children from the Khabarovsk Territory.
Each family received the order, 50,000 roubles and a certificate. Each parent will also get the sign of the order and its miniature copy to bear on solemn occasions. The sign is a blue cross with a coat of arms in the centre against a red background. A version for mothers is provided with a silk ribbon and that for feathers has a pentagonal suspension device.
The Order of Parental Glory is a state award in Russia. It was established on May 13, 2008 to reward deserving parents of exceptionally large families.
“Each of you made a conscious choice in favour of a large and strong family. This is a very responsible step that requires tremendous efforts and physical strength. But undoubtedly this is a wonderful step because it was filled with love and creation. To bring a new human being into this world, form him as a personality and largely determine his future is an undertaking of extraordinary importance,” Putin said.
In recent years there has arisen a good tradition to mark this event by awarding orders in the presence of the whole family. “This is a good tradition because it underscores that you are one whole,” the president said, addressing the audience.
“Love and care about the next of kin, responsibility for one’s country are the main elements that fill the life of every person with meaning. Russia has always been distinguished for its great love for children and big and cohesive families. Now that we are reviving traditions of our society, your example is particularly important,” Putin said.