Industry is the foundation of our state and economy. Tens of thousands of hardworking people stand at machines every day, operate complex mechanisms, assemble equipment, and create things without which modern life is impossible. By their example, they show the younger generation that a true professional is a person devoted to their work. Young Belarusians, looking at them, know: at an enterprise they will create technologies of the future, grow in close-knit teams, and glorify our country on the world stage.

Labor that strengthens the native land, unites generations, and creates a history we are proud of is the main idea of a unique project that, for the sixth year in a row, brings together those who have chosen loyalty to labor traditions as their life's work. On September 10, the sixth industry competition of labor dynasties of enterprises of the Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Belarus took place at the Bobruisk Palace of Arts. Honored guests came to support the contestants: Deputy Minister of Industry of Belarus Denis Bakey; Chairman of the Bobruisk City Executive Committee Maxim Gurin; Chairman of the Belarusian State Concern for Production and Sale of Light Industry Goods Nadezhda Lazarevich; Chairman of the Belarusian Women's Union Olga Shpilevskaya; Chairman of the Belarusian Trade Union of Industrial Workers "BELPROFMASH" Valery Kursevich; Head of the Human Resources Policy Department of the Ministry of Industry of Belarus Lyubov Nevmerzhitskaya.

Before the start of the ceremonial event, an interactive exhibition-presentation of work collectives unfolded in the foyer of the Palace of Arts. The families tried to emphasize their individuality: they delighted guests with live musical performances, showed family photographs, and warmly chatted with everyone who approached their stand. The jury members also approached the participants to touch their work stories in a warm and informal setting.

Ten dynasties of flagship enterprises of Belarusian industry took to the stage – JSC BELAZ (the Vaskos), JSC BMZ (the Shokhins), JSC Gomselmash (the Shulyak-Leonchiks), JSC Minsk Tractor Works (the Oropais), JSC Mogilev Elevator Machinery Plant (the Alferchiks), JSC MAZ (the Zimins), JSC Minsk Mechanical Plant named after S.I. Vavilov (the Malakhovs), JSC Bobruiskagromash (the Yelinskys), JSC INTEGRAL (the Smolyak-Komars), and JSC Minsk Motor Plant (the Sokol-Dubanevich-Vashkevichs). The total combined work experience of the participating dynasties is a thousand years. The audience erupted in applause, support groups cheered on their favorites with ringing chants, bright posters, flags, and balloons. On that day, the great heart of our country's industrial sector was beating in Bobruisk.

Deputy Denis Bakey warmly welcomed the contest participants:

– 2026 has been declared the Year of the Belarusian Woman. In every family, it is women who are the inspirational driving forces. It depends on them whether future generations will work at enterprises, whether traditions will be preserved, and whether a warm, family-like atmosphere will develop in the team. Many thanks to the participants for not being afraid to put themselves forward, for taking part in the competition, and for sharing their personal stories with us. I wish each of you success, good luck, and an interesting and fair competition!

Maxim Gurin emphasized that Bobruisk is a city of industrialists, where labor traditions are reverently honored and dynasties are proudly celebrated:

– Dear contest participants, honored guests! Today Bobruisk has become the venue for the final of the industry competition “Labor Dynasty – 2026,” and this is a great honor for us. The celebration has brought together families, representatives of the industrial sector, and people who glorify our country and move the economy forward. It is gratifying to see Bobruisk residents among the participants – the history of the Elinsky labor dynasty spans 206 years. By your example, you prove that Belarus is a country of hardworking people who love their profession. Looking at you, I am convinced: we are on the right path. I wish you to raise industry to a new level and glorify Belarus. Thank you very much for your work!

Olga Shpilevskaya shared her opinion on the importance of women’s labor in industry:

– It’s wonderful that Bobruisk is hosting labor dynasties today. You are the people on whose shoulders the economy of our country rests. Your children come to work at their native enterprises, which means that special, family-like conditions have been created there. May the products you manufacture always find their consumers and be in demand! Work diligently for the benefit of our country under a peaceful sky!

The competitive performances became a true kaleidoscope of family chronicles. Participants spoke about their dynasties, shared personal stories, and performed songs about the Motherland. Entire generations gathered on one stage: parents with children, grandmothers with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Videos, photographs, touching monologues – all of this created a unique, warm atmosphere. The leitmotif of every performance was the Year of the Belarusian Woman and a feeling of deep gratitude for her tireless work. The woman industrialist today is the keeper of the family hearth, the heart of the work collective, and a reliable support for loved ones and colleagues.

While the jury was tallying the results, the host Dmitry Ovcharenko and Honored Artist of the Republic of Belarus Alena Lanskaya performed for the guests and participants. The culmination of the celebration was the performance of the anthem of machine builders, to the sounds of which all the working dynasties took the stage.

All teams were awarded a participant's diploma and gifts from the Belarusian Trade Union of Industrial Workers "BELPROFMASH" and the Belarusian Union of Women. The honorable third place went to the dynasty of the Belarusian Metallurgical Plant, second place to OJSC "Bobruiskagromash", and first place to the Minsk Tractor Plant. The Grand Prix was awarded to the dynasty of OJSC "INTEGRAL". The participants received their well-deserved awards, flowers, and gifts amid loud applause from the audience.

Evgeny Smolyak shared his emotions and impressions of the victory:

– When we heard that we didn't take first place, we were upset. But when we received the Grand Prix, we were in shock! We really wanted to light up the stage – and we managed to do it. It was nice that everyone supported each other. It was interesting to talk with the families, learn about their traditions and history, and share experiences. The contest reminded us all once again that the most important thing in life is family.

Irina Yelinskaya was overwhelmed with strong emotions from the victory:

– We were counting on victory, and when we found out we took second place, we were very surprised and delighted. Thank you to the organizers, the jury, and the support group for the opportunity to tell about ourselves and perform on this stage. We are glad that we worthily represented our city and got charged with such energy of unity. It inspires new achievements and motivates us to work hard.

Dina Milkevich Photo by Alexander Antashkevich