The open dialogue «A Word Can Save: Poetry about Courage, Memory and Hope», organised jointly with the Defenders of the Fatherland Foundation, took place in the Friendship Tent.
Participants discussed how art can help people retain their inner strength during difficult times and how words can become a source of support, resilience and hope. Particular attention was given to frontline poetry — works that reflect fortitude, courage and comradeship.
The young participants spoke with Alexander Gushchev, Sergey Kolychev and Dmitry Miniakhmetov, participants in the special military operation, as well as Oleg Roy, a writer and combat veteran. The speakers shared personal stories about the role of creativity and how poetry can help people endure hardship and maintain their connection with others.
The participants themselves also reflected on the power of words and their influence on people. «Poetry strengthens the spirit. When you read poems, you feel calmer inside and less afraid», said Alexander Gushchev. Sergey Kolychevcontinued the thought: «The future of our country depends on the words we carry forward».
The Forum also featured the «A Letter to a Soldier and Kind Drawings» campaign. In the foyer of the Theatre Hall, participants could send letters of support and drawings to military personnel serving in the special military operation zone. These small but deeply meaningful gestures help maintain a connection with those defending the country today.
In the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, meetings such as this help preserve memory, support one another and draw strength from culture and creativity.
