Rustam Minnikhanov: The feat of Musa Jalil is the brightest example of true patriotism and dedicated love to Motherland

On 15 February in his address to residents of the republic and compatriots dedicated to the celebrations of the 120th birthday of the Tatar poet, the Hero of the Soviet Union Musa Jalil, the Rais (Head) of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov wrote: “Today we are celebrating the 120th birthday of the outstanding son of our Fatherland, the Tatar poet, the Hero of the Soviet Union Musa Jalil.

The feat of Musa Jalil and his comrades-in-arms, members of the Kurmash-Jalil group, is the brightest example of true patriotism and dedicated love to Motherland. Their unity and unbending will forever remain in our memory and will be an eternal reminder of the value of peace, the duty to protect the Fatherland and defend the achievements of the Great Victory.

Jalil enriched Tatar and world literature, praising labor, the beauty of his native land and friendship between peoples. Famous “Moabit Notebooks" have become a symbol not only of the personal courage of the poet, but also of the unbending fortitude of our entire people who stood up to defend their homeland.

It is symbolic that 120th birthday of Musa Jalil is celebrated in the Year of Unity of People of Russia and the Year of Military and Labour Valor in Tatarstan.  We bow our heads before the immortality of his work and the greatness of his feat.

Let the poems of this outstanding poet inspire us all to good and noble deeds and remain a true guide in our future achievements and victories.”