February 2 is the birthday of Kastus Kalinouski. On this occasion, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Education, Pavel Tereshkovich, reflects on why Kastus Kalinouski is a hero for Belarusians – and why the Lukashenka regime is trying to erase his memory:
“Today, we mark the birthday of Konstanty (Kastus) Kalinouski, who is a hero to us. Why?
Because he was among the very first representatives of the noble intelligentsia who managed to bridge the abyss of distrust and hatred that divided nobles and peasants for centuries and sincerely say: ‘My brothers, my dear peasants!’
Because he was the founder of national journalism and political writing in the Belarusian language.
Because, understanding that the uprising had little chance of success, he nevertheless went and led it, for noble dignity would not allow him to act otherwise.
Because he formulated a maxim that has not lost its relevance for a second century: ‘People, only then will you live happily, when there is no Muscovite ruling over you’.
And also because several generations of Belarusians who grew up in Soviet times became accustomed to the idea that Kastus Kalinouski is our national hero – because that is what was written in textbooks.
So why do Lukashenka’s propagandists writhe with hatred at the very mention of Kalinouski? They urge us to cling with our teeth to the Soviet legacy, yet are ready to discard even the Kalinouski Partisan Brigade that fought against Nazi occupiers.
The issue is not only Kalinouski himself. The issue is fear. A deep, terrifying fear of those who are fighting for Ukrainian freedom and for ours in the Kalinouski Regiment. Of those who sacrifice their lives to restore the honor and dignity of Belarusians, sullied by accomplices to Kremlin crimes. Of those who fight for ‘their human and national right’. Of those who will sooner or later return to Belarus.
For whom do you love? I love Belarus!”
