Turmoil lessons warn of devastating effect of society split for Russia — Putin

SOCHI, September 1. /TASS/. Russia’s history has shown that splits are perilous for the country, and only the nation’s unity and public consent can lead it to success, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday, addressing students of the Sirius education centre for gifted children.

"Yes, the national history had also tragic pages. The lessons of turmoils, revolutions, the civil war warn of the perilous effect of any splits to Russia," he said. According to the president, these lessons of history show that "only the people’s unity and public consent can lead the state to success, ensure its independence and help it repel any powerful and perfidious enemy." "When the native land needed defence, the entire nation was rising. Where the people took their gigantic spiritual power, self-sacrifice readiness? It’s all from a sincere, heartfelt love for their country," Putin said. He said that these feelings of patriotism "are passed in the country from generation to generation."

Strong positions of domestic science ensure breakthroughs in many industries 

Russian President Vladimir Putin attributes the latest breakthroughs in many industries to strong positions of the domestic fundamental science.

"Breakthroughs in many industries are owed largely to the strong positions of our fundamental science," Putin said at the Sirius centre. "Teams of mathematicians and physicists generated new ideas and made the most complicated computations. At first sight some things seemed very far-fetched and having nothing to do with real life and of little practical value. However, later they brought about revolutionary technological changes and breakthroughs."

He recalled that the success of the nuclear missile project came as a result of achievements by Mstislav Keldysh, Igor Kurchatov and Sergey Korolyov.

"Their remarkable research and ideas were eventually connected with the solution of practical tasks. They had the power to foresee, to identify the most important things, and to feel new opportunities, sometimes at the junction of different sciences," Putin said.

As an example Putin mentioned Korolyov’s achievements in rocket engineering and Zhores Alfyorov’s achievements in the modern mobile communication technologies and communications.

Importance of "clear moral criteria" in technological progress

Russian President Vladimir Putin believes it is important to adhere to "clear moral criteria" in technological progress.

"Only a society that has clear moral benchmarks and a firm spiritual position and groundwork is capable of harmonious technological progress. Only this type of society can ensure the achievements of science benefit humanity, and not harm it," Putin said.

Putin said the adults needed the younger generation’s support and trust very often, including situations when the issues facing the nation were at stake today.

"We need your support and your trust. It is very important to understand each other, in particular, when it comes to matters concerning the country’s present day and the future. It is easier to handle many difficulties and problems together, including the situations of moral choice, which has to be made now and then," Putin said.

Although "life has changed cardinally," the true values are forever, he remarked.

"These values are honesty, patriotism, science, love, kindness, courage, dignity, compassion, responsibility and the sense of duty. I am certain that all this is important to you," Putin told.

Russian President called on the rising generation to believe in themselves and assured them of constant care and support.

Speaking to children at the Sirius educational centre, the president noted that any victory is accompanied by "lots of doubts, mistakes and failure."

"It is only natural. But it is vital not to step back, not to lose heart and never give up," Putin underscored. "A key factor of success is the faith in oneself, in one’s forces."

"Each of you should find yourself, your place in life. Only in this case you will be able to be a cohesive and solidary team, the best one in the world. I am confident it will be that way," he said. He stressed that the younger generation would always be able to rely on their parents, teachers, tutors and the motherland. "We will be by your side, we will help you, admire your successes, we will work for you and with you - all for the sake of Russia. I believe in you, in success of each of you. You can, you ought and you will be winners!," Putin stressed.