"Shameful" vs. "Won the war, saved the country": What do VolGMU students think about the return of Stalin's profile to the building's facade?
The return of Stalin's bas-relief on the facade of the Volgograd Medical University caused a mixed reaction among students and staff, пишет publication "Field of View"
In memory of the repressed rector
In particular, in the student Telegram channel "Mockingbird VolGMU" reminded about the fate of the first head of the educational institution, Akim Martynov, executed in 1937, accused of participating in a “Trotskyist-Zinoviev terrorist organization” and rehabilitated in 1956:
I wonder if anyone will remember that the guy whose profile is on the main building was the reason for the execution of our medical school's first rector? And I won't even mention his other crimes. It's shameful.
Student Survey: All Student Opinions
Journalists from the publication "Field of View" asked VolGMU students were asked how they felt about Stalin's return to the facade of their university. Here are their responses:
I understand perfectly well the rationale behind placing his profile on our building. And, unfortunately, many historical parallels are particularly poignant today. Attempts to glorify Stalin in modern times have a very specific context. I don't agree with such a policy. Therefore, our university's decision to promote this disappoints me. It's a disgrace, to say the least.
Why not restore it? This man made a huge contribution to the history of our country, no matter how much everyone loves him. We can talk for hours about how bad Stalin was, but he won the war and kept the country together. That says it all. In short, let them restore it.
I didn't even know about it, and, in principle, I don't care. However, if it was possible to correct the curvature of the façade where it used to be, then it's neutral to positive.
I have positive feelings. And they are motivated, first and foremost, by a tribute to the great past. After all, Stalin was the man who carried out the repressions, collectivization, and so on.
From the perspective of government officials, it's viewed as a tragedy, given the colossal number of casualties. From a pragmatic perspective, there was thorough preparation for the war.
I don't have any feelings about it, I just don't like that it's a different color from other profiles.
Ahahahaha. No, I don’t feel [any feelings].
I knew that the bas-relief would be restored back in March, so there was no surprise and I take it calmly.
[I have] a positive attitude towards the restoration of the architect’s concept from the point of view of the historical accuracy.
