NEW DELHI: In a heartfelt address via video conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin highlighted the fundamental importance of
love and
children in life. The virtual event, organized in the lead-up to International Children’s Day on June 1, connected the president with families from different regions of Russia, each having three or more children.
The gathering included families honored with the prestigious Order of Parental Glory and mothers who received the title of Mother Heroine.The Mother Heroine title, originally introduced in the Soviet era, was reinstated by a presidential decree in 2022. This title is bestowed upon mothers who have given birth to or raised ten or more children, recognizing their significant contribution to the nation, a Russia Today report said.
During the conference, Putin conversed with Natalia Yakunina, a mother raising eight children with her husband. He praised her dedication, saying, “You gave him such a family, such great joy, so many children,” and emphasized, “there is nothing more important in life than love and children.”
Putin reiterated that the entire work of the Russian government is geared towards the welfare of families. This commitment spans multiple sectors, including education, healthcare, the economy, and housing policies. He reassured parents that the authorities are prepared to offer necessary support, pointing out that the number of large families in Russia has surged by approximately 26% in recent years, now totaling over 2 million.
Addressing the attendees, Putin said, “Families like yours are certainly the pride of our country.”
In his February address to the Federal Assembly, Putin acknowledged the declining birth rates in Russia, a challenge also faced by many other countries. He called for a unified effort from all levels of government, civil society, and religious institutions to promote large families as the norm. To underscore the importance of this issue, Putin has designated 2024 as the ‘Year of the Family.’ He stressed that addressing the decline in birth rates is of critical importance for the future of the country.
This initiative aligns with the broader goal of fostering a supportive environment for families and ensuring the country’s demographic stability. By placing a spotlight on the role of large families, Putin aims to encourage societal recognition and governmental support for those who choose to have many children.