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The patriotic initiative, Light of Mercy, supported by the Presidential Grants Fund, is set to unfold throughout 2025 with the collaboration of Belgorod National Research University (BelSU), the Union of Journalists of the Belgorod Region, and various public associations and organizations within the region.

As part of this project, a photo exhibition also titled Light of Mercy opened at BelSU Medical College on International Nurses Day. The exhibition features 41 portraits of nurses, paramedics, medical volunteers, and sisters of mercy who provide essential assistance to residents of Belgorod, participants in the Special Military Operation (SVO), and those working in temporary accommodation facilities and hospitals, including at the front lines.

The opening ceremony was attended by Lyudmila Krylova, First Deputy Minister of Health for the Belgorod region; Elena Malyshkina, BelSU Vice-Rector for ��è��Ƶal Work and Youth Policy; Vladislav Dubrova, Director of BelSU Medical College; as well as participants and team members from the Light of Mercy project.

In her speech, Krylova congratulated the certified and future nurses present at the event. She expressed gratitude to the teachers at the medical college and medical institute for their professionalism and passion for their work, which they impart to their students as mentors.

“I am overwhelmed with pride that about 80 percent of our graduates successfully work in medical organizations throughout the Belgorod region. A heartfelt thank you to all the educators who guide our youth to become not only skilled nurses and paramedics but also compassionate individuals who cherish life and selflessly aid others,” noted the First Deputy Minister.

Vice-Rector Elena Malyshkina emphasized that the exhibition serves as a shining example for young people, showcasing individuals worthy of pride and admiration.

Tatyana Dubinina, secretary of the project’s organizing committee, head of the Belgorod regional branch of the Union of Russian Writers, and member of the Union of Journalists of Russia, introduced the project team to the audience. She guided honoured guests through the exhibition while providing detailed insights about each photograph.

Additionally, a book was presented, featuring not only the photographs but also interviews with the heroes of the project and key facts from their biographies. The first copies of this book were presented to honored guests by Andrey Zakomorny, the project’s creative director, professional photographer, and member of the Union of Journalists of the Belgorod Region.

“As a photographer, I believe that every person has an inner light. When that light is accompanied by kindness and beauty, it shines through. Just look into the eyes of our heroes – you can see how they glow. I aimed to capture their true essence with minimal editing so that you could see their authentic, living faces,” Andrey remarked.

In the introduction to the book Light of Mercy, Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov commended the project team’s exceptional efforts.

The authors of the project emphasized that Light of Mercy seeks to instil a profound respect in young people for those whose professional duties embody the essence of mercy.