A symbol of unity of nations around the world: the Alley of Friendship opened at PSU

On 18 May 2023, the Alley of Friendship was officially opened at Penza State University. The ceremony became a remarkable event of the regional student forum “Dialogue of Cultures” supported by the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh). Like the forum, the Alley of Friendship is a symbol of the unity of the representatives of different peoples and countries living within and across the Russian Federation.

The folk choreographic ensemble “Kabluchok” (literally a small heel) greeted the guests and gave the choreographic performance “Round dance of friendship”, during which several dozen students, holding hands tightly, spinned in a round dance.

Governor of the Penza Region Oleg Melnichenko congratulated the guests, students, teaching and administrative staff of Penza State University. He noted that students from 46 countries are now enrolled at PSU, which is the largest university in the region. According to the governor, the alley signifies good relationships among different nations and cultures. During the welcoming remarks Oleg Melnichenko stressed that one of the goals of the forum and the ceremony is the unity and friendship of the peoples.

“Russia is a country that has always been built as a multinational state. Some are trying to teach us: how we should live, establish relations among peoples, nations and races. We do not need to be taught. We have been living in peace and harmony for many hundreds of years. Let others learn from us,” added the governor.

Chairperson of the Council of Rectors of the Penza Region and Rector of Penza State University Aleksandr Guliakov also congratulated everyone on the opening of the Alley of Friendship as the historic event for the university and the region.

“Russia has always been notable for peacefulness and kindness! In the modern context we would like to demonstrate to the entire Penza Region, the Russian Federation and the world that the students of Penza State University, as well as the residents of the Penza Region, choose peace, friendship and mutual support. The Alley of Friendship is a symbol of this,” stated Aleksandr Guliakov.

For many years, PSU has been fruitfully cooperating with the Association of International Students of the Penza Region. 2023 is an anniversary year both for the association and for the university. The association chaired by Adel Ali Omar Maqbol is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

“During this time, we have managed to implement major projects, cultural events and many other activities. The Alley of Friendship is a wonderful gift from Penza State University, which makes us feel at home here. The alley of Russia and other countries means that we are together, no matter what,” assured the chairperson of the association.

Adel Maqbol thanked Penza State University, the Penza Region and the Russian Federation for the warm welcome and excellent education provided to international students. Thanks to PSU, hundreds of foreigners annually become graduates, who are in demand both in Russia and abroad.

“I am addressing our international students. We should not forget, regardless of whether we return to our homeland or stay in Russia, we should always remember who welcome and embrace us – this is Russia. Thank you, Russia, thank you, Penza, thank you, PSU,” added Adel Maqbol.

On behalf of PSU students, Chairperson of the Student Self-Government Council Dariia Kulakova addressed the guests: “Thousands of students study at Penza State University. We are all different. We represent different nations, faiths, cultures, hobbies and interests. However, we are united! We are students! We are brought together by friendship that does not depend on any affiliation. How symbolic it is that the Alley of Friendship has appeared at our university. Now it is a symbol of our students, which says that our strength is in unity and diversity!”

The honorary right to open the Alley of Friendship was granted to Oleg Melnichenko, Aleksandr Guliakov, Adel Maqbol and Dariia Kulakova, as well as Chief Federal Inspector for the Penza Region Sergei Shchetkin, Director General of Beijing Bridge Cultural Exchange Co. Wang Tao, Director General of National Arab-Russian Association Bashir Samaha and Founder of Chevalier Group Yuvraajsinh Solanki.

The ribbon was cut and the Alley of Friendship was solemnly opened. The whole city of Penza learned about the landmark event at PSU. The participants of the forum “Dialogue of Cultures” and guests of honour released 80 balloons and a flock of white doves into the sky. They took off for peace and friendship among the peoples of the planet.

The guests of honour were the first to walk along the alley. They appreciated the open area, which is divided into several levels. The entrance to the alley is decorated with arches. There are streaming fountains on three levels. At night, the alley will be illuminated by lanterns.

The monument “45th meridian” became the central element. The imaginary line of the Earth passes through the territory of the university. The monument is made in the form of a globe, and the 45th meridian is marked with a red line. The memorial sign marking the further foundation of the monument was laid in 2017 during the festival “Dialogue of Cultures”.

The Alley of Friendship is crowned with a small architectural object with the logo of Penza State University. The alley is framed by stands with information about the university history and today’s life.

As part of the opening, a photo exhibition dedicated to the anniversary of PSU appeared on the Alley of Friendship. During the day, the guests, students, teaching and administrative staff of the university were able not only to walk around the new sights, but also learn several significant facts from PSU history (from the first academic year to the first international students in Penza).

More photos are available in PSU group in VKontakte.