Mintimer Shaimiev to Rafael Khakimov: "You have played a huge role in the formation of a new Tatarstan"

On February 17, an extended meeting of the Academic Council of Sh.Mardzhani Institute of History dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the Institute and 70th anniversary of its Director, Vice-President of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tatarstan, Doctor of Historical Sciences Rafael Khakimov was held in Kazan.

Tatarstan State Counsellor Mintimer Shaimiev, Deputy Prime Minister of the republic Vasil Shaikhraziev, Minister of Education and Science of Tatarstan Engel Fattakhov, Minister of Culture of the republic Airat Sibagatullin and other officials took part in the meeting.

Speaking at the event, Shaimiev called Rafael Khakimov “founding director of the Institute of History”.

"Rafael Khakimov is one of the natives of regional districts, who have always played a great role in the formation of the republic, popularizing the most advanced ideas in the humanitarian sphere. That is a fact, that is our history. You were born in the family of the national poet of Tatarstan Sibgat Khakimov and poetess Murshida Vildanova. You are a worthy son of your parents,” Shaimiev said. “We worked together for 18 years. In the most difficult years I invited you to be my advisor. Today, I would like to thank you once again in public. You have played a huge role in the formation of a new Tatarstan. During hard times it is very important to have someone nearby, who is able to take the heat, beat back challenges, give a rebuff in a good sense of this word. It is the highest achievement for any scientist, personality and intellectual when the power of words, the power of arguments works effectively. You got things done," he continued.