The Minister of Education of the Russian Empire is now honored at St. Petersburg State University
“The university is a collection of scholarly individuals who educate young minds in various high sciences, such as theology, jurisprudence (the art of law), medicine, philosophy, and the extent to which these have progressed today,” wrote in the project of establishing the Academy of Sciences and Arts in 1724 by Peter the Great. It was this decree that established the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences and the University. Now, this quote is immortalized in a new monument to the pre-revolutionary era Minister of Education, Sergey Uvarov.
Count Sergey Uvarov was an outstanding philologist, orientalist, President of the Imperial Academy of Sciences, and Minister of Public Education of the Russian Empire. His contribution to the development of education in Russia was immense: expanding the network of educational institutions, improving the system of teacher training, and striving for a national educational system. Uvarov is also known as the author of the doctrine “Orthodoxy. Autocracy. Nationality,” which became a symbol of the national ideology. Hence, it is no coincidence that his monument was erected on the occasion of the tricentennial anniversary of Peter’s decree in front of the main building of St.Petersburg State University.
The solemn opening ceremony was attended by Governor Alexander Beglov, Assistant to the President of Russia and Chairman of the Russian Military-Historical Society Vladimir Medinsky, Minister of Education of the Russian Federation Sergey Kravtsov, and Headmasterof St. Petersburg State University -Nikolay Kropachev.
“He created the most modern scientific institution in the world at that time – the Pulkovo Observatory, developed unified imperial educational standards, formulated the framework of education, the fundamentals of which are still preserved today, and essentially addressed the same problems that we are solving today,” noted Vladimir Medinsky, Assistant to the President of Russia and Chairman of the Russian Military-Historical Society.
Governor of St. Petersburg Alexander Beglov believes that this is an important tribute to everyone who shaped the Russian education system:
“Sergey Semenovich Uvarov was a highly recognized historian, but as a minister, he paid particular attention to technical education. The first real schools in various cities of our country were created under his participation. As a result, industry developed – Russia made a leap forward. Even then, he understood the importance of preparing technical engineering personnel to further develop our industry. This was accomplished.”
Minister of Education of Russia Sergey Kravtsov expressed confidence in the relevance of Uvarov’s work and emphasized that the installation of the monument symbolizes the creation and development of a sovereign education system in Russia.
Count Uvarov is depicted seated in a chair, leaning on a stand with books. The monument was created by the People’s Artist of Russia Salavat Shcherbakov, and its installation was timed to coincide with the completion of the Year of the Teacher and Mentor.