Putin visits town near Moscow with 'ancestral ties' on Knowledge Day

Russia's President Vladimir Putin on Saturday visited the town near Moscow where he has ancestral ties on occasion of the National Knowledge Day. Putin met with the community in the village that thronged him and cheered for him as he made the unannounced visit and spoke to the residents amid the ongoing war in neighbouring Ukraine. Putin visited the village of Turginovo, Tver region "to see places associated with his family," Kremlin press secretary and Putin's spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told the state-affiliated Russian agencies. 

People in the town were surprised to see the Russian President's unexpected visit. "Good health, strength and good luck," one woman was reported saying. "Thank you for coming to see us. For remembering us," she added. Dozens cheered Russian President Putin as met with the community in person. several residents were seen greeting the Russian President and flocking him shortly after he emerged from a car in the village square around dusk, according to the visuals circulating on Telegram. The stop lasted only a few minutes.

Putin conveys best wishes on 'Knowledge Day'

Putin spoke to a woman, a science teacher, at the local school who told him that she was undertaking a doctoral degree. The woman stated that she has been trying to make efforts to improve the conditions in order to attract qualified people to the village. Putin gave best wishes to the woman as he also expressed astonishment. Residents told the Russian President that the village needed better housing and more accommodations as well as better facilities. 

"Yes, yes, I agree, We'll do everything gradually," Putin told the village residents. "My best wishes on the start of the school year."

On September 1, Russia also marks Knowledge Day, a traditional start of the school year when Russian Children start attending school. According to the Kremlin, Putin also held talks with the President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Zhaparov. The two counterparts discussed the construction of schools in Kyrgyzstan's three cities—Bishkek, Batken and Karakol—that would teach the Russian language. Putin agreed to host the 'Land of Opportunity platform' that would be attended by 30 schoolchildren with outstanding academic achievements, as well as the winners of international competitions. "The President of Russia will also take part in the opening ceremony of new educational institutions in five regions of the Russian Federation via videoconference,' Kremlin stressed.