PYATIGORSK, August 15. /TASS/. During an education forum in the Russian city of Pyatigorsk, Russian President Vladimir Putin noted that volunteers often work more effectively than government officials. "The actions of volunteers, unfortunately for our country, are often more effective than the work of bureaucratic structures," he stressed.

Putin confessed that when meeting volunteers, he is often surprised that their work is not guided by any pragmatic or financial interest. "It’s all related to charity, compassion, kindness of soul, and, as we all know very well, there is no engine more powerful than a human heart," the Russian leader said. He stressed that if the actions are coming from the heart, they reach a maximum effect.

Putin added that all projects that he had seen during the forum peaked his interest. "Everything that you do is in high demand," he stated. The president noted that in this line of work, the volunteers find strength in their hometown and home country.