An Atmosphere of Friendship and Unity: HSE Hosts First-Ever Ossetian Culture Day
In early December, the HSE Cultural Centre hosted the university’s first-ever Ossetian Culture Day. It was organised by student associations from Ossetian communities at HSE, MSU, Gubkin University, and Plekhanov University. Before the grand concert, guests—including Igor Barskov, Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Republic of North Ossetia–Alania—were invited to sample traditional Ossetian cuisine and participate in a contest to win prizes.
The concert opened with a traditional North Ossetian dance, khonga kaft, performed by MSU students and the Skif ensemble. ‘If you study as well as you dance, then there is no need to worry about the country’s future—everything was very well done and beautiful,’ said Igor Barskov. He noted that 2024 marks several significant anniversaries for the republic: ‘100 years has passed since the establishment of Ossetian autonomy, 250 years since its voluntary union with Russia, and 240 years since the founding of Vladikavkaz. Ossetia is a unique republic,’ Igor Barskov emphasised.
This was the first time HSE University hosted Ossetian Culture Day. ‘We hope this event becomes a cherished annual tradition. We are already drawing conclusions and planning how to organise larger-scale events in the future,’ said Viktoria Kantemirova, Chair of the HSE Ossetian Club and a first-year master’s student of the ‘Communications in the Public Sector and NGOs’ programme.
Such gatherings are an opportunity to showcase the principles and foundations of national culture through friendly interactions. ‘We invited Ossetian associations from other Moscow universities so they could share their stories, talk about their institutions, and present performances reflecting the culture that unites us all,’ said Viktoria Kantemirova. She believes these events have great importance because of their atmosphere of friendship, love, and unity.
The event featured performances by both university students and renowned artists such as Deniza Khekilaeva, a finalist of The Voice Kids talent show, who performed a song in Ossetian, and Georgy Alanskii, a poet and author of poetry collections, who recited one of his works.
Guests of Ossetian Culture Day shared their thoughts and impressions with the HSE News Service.
Maria Dzhioeva, first-year student at the Higher School of Management, Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation:
‘I come from South Ossetia, and a classmate studying here at HSE invited me to come. I wanted to feel a sense of home and support my fellow Ossetians. I am in great spirits—everything was very well organised!’
Viktoria Bigulaeva, first-year student of the ‘Economics and Business’ programme, Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation:
‘I found out about the event on social media and immediately texted my friend at HSE, which is how I ended up here today. This is not my first time attending an HSE event, and the atmosphere is always so welcoming. Everything was amazing!’
Georgy Kasaev, first-year student of the ‘Materials Science and Technology’ programme, Moscow Aviation Institute:
‘A friend suggested that I come along, and as soon as I heard that other Ossetians were here, I proudly joined. I am from Vladikavkaz and I recently moved to Moscow. The mood is uplifting, I am full of positive emotions, and being surrounded by Ossetians fills me with joy.’
Sergey Sarkisyan, first-year student at the Institute of Prosecution, Kutafin Moscow State Law University:
‘I was born and raised in Ossetia. One of the organisers invited me—my friends are performing today, and I really wanted to support them. Everyone here is so friendly, and there is a smile on every face.’