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The awards were presented to families from Moscow; the Pskov, Rostov, Tyumen, Novosibirsk, and Kherson regions; and the republics of Mordovia, Daghestan, and North Ossetia-Alania.

The Order of Parental Glory was established by a Presidential executive order in 2008. It is awarded to parents or adoptive parents who are raising, or have raised, seven or more children, while providing an appropriate standard of care for their health, education, and physical, spiritual and moral development.

The title of Mother Heroine is awarded to mothers who have given birth to and raised ten or more children. Women who receive the title are also presented with a special distinction – the Order of Mother Heroine. The title and order were established by a Presidential executive order in 2022.

The ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova and Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights Maria Lvova-Belova.

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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, friends.

Today, here in the Kremlin, we pay tribute to large, close-knit families and express our heartfelt admiration for our fellow citizens who have been rightfully honoured with some of the nation’s highest state awards – the Order of Parental Glory and the title of Mother Heroine.

This ceremony is being held on International Children’s Day, and I would like to extend my warm congratulations to everyone on this occasion. The holiday has always held a special place in our country and is regarded with great warmth. It is cherished by both children and adults – by all those who care about the future of the younger generation.

The large families gathered in this hall are a vivid embodiment of that commitment. Their parents generously give each child the most important things in life – their love, care, and support, and do everything possible to ensure that their sons and daughters grow into good people and worthy citizens of Russia.

Of course, such dedication to children and active involvement in their lives requires tremendous effort every single day, especially in families as large as yours. The awards being presented today are, above all, a recognition of your invaluable contribution and a mark of deep respect for your mission, which is, without exaggeration, both noble and vital to our country.

Through your life choices, you once again demonstrate that there is nothing more important than genuine family values. They provide the strongest foundation and the most reliable source of support. And there is no greater happiness than being a parent and watching, day by day, as your children discover the world and become adults.

The preservation of traditional family pillars, the protection of childhood, respect for senior citizens and for parenting – all these highly important things unite our society, they are passed down across generations, and they help us all to confidently move ahead.

I would like to specially note that, unfortunately, some countries are virtually trying to abolish traditional family values. And we will support those who, after facing such pressure, come to live, work and raise children in Russia. Welcome.

On the whole, we strive to create all conditions for Russia to have as many families with multiple children as possible; we consistently prioritise the interests of families with children while implementing our national projects. Businesses and major employers formulate their own solutions and support programmes.

It is gratifying to note that the number of families like yours continues to increase. More and more young people want their families to have two, three, four and even more children. And I am confident that your example which, I repeat, amounts to genuine human and parental happiness will prove truly inspiring for very many people.

In turn, the state will continue to work in all spheres which have major significance for parents and for Russian families. This includes a high-quality and modern education and healthcare, including for children, the broadest possible people-friendly environment in cities and towns and, of course, opportunities for development and self-realisation, so that every child could find a sphere where their abilities would be unlocked to the greatest possible extent, and where they would achieve the results both their parents and the entire country will be proud of.

Once again, I congratulate you all on the holiday, and I would like to wish all of you happiness, prosperity, well-being, as well as every success both to parents and children, grown-up and little ones alike.

Thank you.

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Vladimir Putin: Dear friends.

Once again, I congratulate you on your state awards.

To be honest, one is slightly taken aback while meeting with such an audience. Frankly speaking, I am not accustomed to such an audience.

One of the speakers noted that we are doing nothing heroic. You perform your feat every day of the week, and it is clear as a noonday.

Multiple emotions arise when one looks at such an audience and communicates with it. I cannot help noting the main thing: You are so beautiful both on the outside and on the inside, and this is the most important thing which concerns adults and children alike.

Congratulations.