A breath of historical truth
The further into the past the Soviet Union goes, the more distinct the enormity of its achievements. This was discussed at the opening of an exhibition dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the formation of the USSR. It takes place in Bishkek and attracts the attention of citizens of different generations.
History of Kyrgyzstan of the 20th century – an excellent, most visual illustration of socio-economic structures and the degree of their effectiveness. At the beginning of the last century, the territory of the current republic was a real «bearish corner». Under the rule of tsarism, the literacy rate among the indigenous population did not exceed one percent; in the so-called Russian-native schools, as of 1914, only 574 children of Kyrgyz nationality were studying. The same picture was typical for all other spheres of social order. The 900,000-strong population, for example, accounted for 21 doctors and 100 hospital beds, resulting in the widespread prevalence of dangerous infections and a low life expectancy of barely more than 30 years.
After 1991, the now independent Kyrgyzstan began to rapidly return to these «good old days». Thus, the incidence of tuberculosis in the first ten years without Soviet power increased threefold, and syphilis – by more than 50 times. «The Pillar Road of Capitalism» has led to the fact that more than a third of the population lives in extreme poverty, and over a million citizens of working age have left the country in search of work.
Between these failures rise the heights of development of Soviet Kyrgyzstan – a country with highly developed industry and science, an educated, culturally developed and socially protected population. For generations born after the destruction of the USSR, these conquests are perceived as something fantastic. It is all the more important to preserve the memory of an era that has proven the possibility of life without exploitation and inequality.
Unfortunately, the centenary of the Soviet Union was not used for this task. The first and so far only event dedicated to the glorious date was an exhibition at the center of Russian culture «Harmony». It presents various «artifacts» of Soviet greatness – photographs, books, albums, newspapers, etc. Representatives of various public organizations and members of the Party of Communists of Kyrgyzstan took part in the opening of the exhibition. As stated historian and publicist, vice-rector of KRSU Leonid Sumarokov, the basis of the USSR's successes were the ideas of social justice and internationalism. Thanks to them, natives of the most remote areas felt like full citizens of a huge country, could receive an education, become outstanding writers, engineers, and military leaders.
