ARKHANGELSK, October 27 (Itar-Tass) — The best school pupils of Russia will gather in Moscow for a Lomonosov Assembly on November 19 -- the day of the tercentenary of the birth of great Russian scientist and enlightener Mikhail Lomonosov (1711-1765).
Organizers of a ceremonial reception from Moscow's Lomonosov School and the Foundation for Support for Social Projects (FSSP) under the government of Arkhangelsk Region have told Itar-Tass that a highly topical programme has been prepared for the pupils.
An exhibition of drawings and photographs for Lomonosov's birth tercentenary will be arranged. Master classes will be organized for everyone to be able to try one's hand at drawing, mosaic, oratory, versification, and bone-carving. School pupils will be awarded commemorative medals and given an encyclopedia entitled "Lomonosov" at a ceremonial line-up.
"These children through their scientific, sports, cultural and social achievements have proved that a worthy generation is rising in Russia. Their names have been included in the Lomonosov Encyclopedia which has been published expressly for the tercentenary of the Russian enlightener's birth. Three volumes of the encycolopedia also include information on the teachers, doctors, administrators, and parents thanks to whom future Lomonosovs are growing up in Russia. One of the volumes of the encyclopedia contains Mikhail Lomonosov's biography, and achievements as a scientist and public figure.
On the same day the Lomonosov Assembly will also bring together Lomonosov Year benefactors, prominent actors, businessmen, and politicians who made a substantial contribution to the education of the rising generation.
"The tradition of convening assemblies originated in the days of Peter the Great. Assemblies developed into educational centers. They have been fashioning new cultural realities. We hope that our undertaking, which is aimed at revealing and encouraging talented young people, will become a worthy continuer of the cause of our predecessors," FSSP president Irina Levadskaya pointed out.
Mikhail Lomonosov, the first Russian scientist, naturalist, man of letters, historian, and artist, was born in Denisovka Village near Kholmogory, Archangel Gubernia (now Arkhangelsk Region), on November 19, 1711, into the family of a seaside peasant. At the age of 19, together with a train of fish-laden sledges he went to Moscow for studies. It was under Lomonosov's influence that Moscow University was founded in 1755. It now bears his name.
