A Moscow Guest Speaks about Russian Literature and Spiritual Choice at ASU

Astrakhan State University students met with Pavel Pozhigaylo, Candidate of Historical Sciences, a Russian statesman and a member of the RF Civic Chamber. He talked to the audience about ways of interpreting the Russian classics and about its deep connection with the history and development of our country.

The delegation also included clergy representatives and Leonid Ogul, a Deputy of the RF State Duma. Konstantin Markelov, the ASU Acting Rector, presented the guests to the audience and marked out Pavel Pozhigaylo’s contribution to the public life of Russia.

The speaker started with the history of his spiritual and professional formation. According to him, his personal growth was greatly influenced by works of Petr Stolypin, a great Russian reformer. Today, Pavel Pozhigaylo is the founder and President of the Foundation for studying the legacy of this significant personality of the Russian history.

In his lecture, the speaker raised the issues of human and state destiny and the way the great writers defined it. The lecturer stressed that he is still searching the answers to many questions asked by life itself. And these very talks allow to find them together. The guest expressed his hope for further meetings at ASU and called the students to pass from a lecture format to a lively discussion.

This idea was supported by the meeting participants, especially by students of the Humanities — future historians, journalists and philosophers. They asked the guest numerous questions which arose during his speech. The meeting allowed everyone to express their points of view and gave interesting food for thought.