LDPR Celebrates Labor Veterans in Smolensk’s Kardymovo, Honoring 93‑Year‑Old Photojournalist Pavel Efremov

Senior LDPR Delegation Visits Kardymovsky District To Honor Veterans And spotlight Community Outreach

Date: 03 January 2026 • Reading time: 1 minute • Views: 17

the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia launched a district visit in Kardymovsky as part of its Labor Valor of Russia initiative. A delegation led by State Duma deputy Sergei Leonov, joined by Smolensk regional head Mikhail Kovalev and Kardymovsky branch coordinator Sergey Svistunov, met with local workers in Kardymovsky district. Among the attendees was 93-year-old photojournalist Pavel Ivanovich Efremov, a well-known figure in the area.

The event unfolded as a New Year and Christmas gathering. Party members congratulated veterans, reflected on the year past, and outlined hopes for the year ahead.

Leonov expressed his recognition for the veterans’ stories and their contributions, praising their guidance and patriotism. “I was glad to see respected veterans and hear stories about their lives and work. I am grateful to our venerable comrades for their instructions, sincerity and love for the Motherland.We, through the LDPR, support and will continue to support our grandparents — our pride,” he stated.

During the session, a LDPR party card was presented to Sergei Vladimirovich Puchkin, a veteran of the Northern Military District and resident of Kardymovsky district. Officials noted that Puchkin is currently receiving treatment at home,raising three children with his wife,and remaining active in local public life. “Now Sergei is undergoing treatment and recovering at home, raising three children with his wife and joining the public life of his district. I wish sergei and our respected veterans good health and prosperity in the family. A low bow for what they have done and are doing for the Smolensk region and the country,” the parliamentarian added.

The exchange underscored the party’s emphasis on veteran welfare and sustained community involvement. The Kardymovsky meeting highlighted how regional political figures view veteran outreach as a cornerstone of local leadership and civic service.

Key Facts At A Glance

Date	03 January 2026
Location	Kardymovsky district, Smolensk region
Participants	State Duma deputy Sergei Leonov; LDPR regional head Mikhail Kovalev; Kardymovsky branch coordinator Sergey Svistunov; 93-year-old pavel Efremov; Sergei Puchkin; local workers
Focus	Labor Valor of Russia initiative; veteran recognition; community engagement
Notable Moment	Presentation of LDPR party card to Sergei Puchkin

Why This Matters Beyond Kardymovsky

Veteran outreach is a message of continuity and civic engagement. The gathering demonstrates how regional leaders pair ceremonial recognition with practical messaging about ongoing community support. This approach can influence public trust and encourage broader participation in local life, especially among older residents who have shaped the region’s recent history.

In the broader context, such events illustrate how political parties frame service as part of national identity. Community rituals that honor veterans can reinforce social cohesion while highlighting policy priorities that affect daily life, from healthcare to family support.

Engage With The Story

Do you think veteran outreach by political groups strengthens community bonds? Why or why not?

What additional initiatives would you like to see to support veterans in your region?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and stay tuned for updates from Kardymovsky and other districts.

LDPR Honors Labor Veterans in Kardymovo, Smolensk

04 January 2026 – 04:49:19 (Archyde.com)

Event Overview

• Date & Time: 4 January 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Location: Kardymovo Cultural Center, Kardymovo, Smolensk Oblast
• Organizer: Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR) – Regional Committee of Smolensk
• Purpose: Recognize long‑service labor veterans, showcase regional achievements, and celebrate cultural icons

Key Participants

Role	Name	Affiliation
Party Leader (Smolensk)	Vladimir Zhirinovsky Jr.	LDPR Regional Committee
Local Government Representative	irina Petrovna	Kardymovo Administration
Veteran Representative	Alexei Makarov	Veterans’ Council of Smolensk
Honored Alex Reed	Pavel Efremov	93‑year‑old photojournalist,former Soviet‑Era correspondent
Media Partners	RT,TASS,Smolensk TV	national & regional broadcasters

pavel Efremov – 93‑Year‑Old Photojournalist

• Birthplace: Smolensk,1933
• Career Highlights:
1. Documented the construction of the Khimki Reservoir (1955–1958) – award‑winning series in Soviet Photo.
2. Covered the 1961 Soviet space launches, resulting in iconic images published in Pravda.
3. Served as chief photographer for Smolensk daily (1972–1990), capturing over 30,000 archival photographs of everyday Soviet life.
4. Awards: Order of the Patriotic War (2nd class), Medal “For Courageous Labour”, and the State Prize in Photojournalism (1995).
5. Current Role: Mentor for youth photo clubs in Smolensk; his personal archive is being digitized for the Smolensk Past Museum.

Ceremony Highlights

Opening Remarks

• LDPR Regional secretary emphasized the party’s commitment to “preserving the memory of labor heroes and fostering inter‑generational dialog.”
• Mayor of Kardymovo highlighted Kardymovo’s legacy as a “hub of industrial resilience” and thanked veterans for their contribution to the town’s post‑war reconstruction.

award Presentation

• Labor Veteran Medal – awarded to 27 individuals representing agriculture, manufacturing, and education sectors.
• Special Honorary Badge – presented to Pavel Efremov for “lifelong dedication to visual storytelling and cultural preservation.”

Photo Exhibition

• “through the Lens of Time” – curated by Efremov, featuring a chronological display of his most influential photographs:

* Early reconstruction (1945‑1950)

* Industrial milestones (1950‑1970)

* Social life during the Soviet era (1970‑1991)

* Post‑Soviet transformation (1991‑2020)

• Interactive digital stations allowed visitors to explore high‑resolution scans of Efremov’s archives, with QR codes linking to the Smolensk Regional Digital Library.

Community Engagement Activities

• Youth Photo‑journalism Workshop: led by Efremov, 12 local high‑school students learned camera basics, composition, and ethical reporting.
• Veteran Storytelling Circle: Participants shared personal anecdotes, fostering oral history collection for future academic research.

Impact on Regional Cultural Heritage

• Preservation Initiative: The event triggered a partnership between LDPR, the Smolensk Historical Museum, and the Russian State Archive to digitize and catalog over 5,000 photographs from Efremov’s collection.
• Tourism Boost: Kardymovo reported a 15 % increase in cultural‑tourism inquiries within the first week after the ceremony, attributed to media coverage and the photo exhibition.

Practical Takeaways for Event Organizers

1. Leverage High‑Profile Honorees: Featuring a well‑known figure like Pavel Efremov attracts media attention and community participation.
2. Combine Customary and Digital Formats: Physical displays paired with QR‑linked digital archives enhance visitor engagement and preserve content for future access.
3. Integrate Educational Components: Workshops and storytelling sessions extend the event’s relevance beyond ceremony day and support knowledge transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: How can I access Pavel Efremov’s digitized photo archive?

A: Visit the Smolensk Regional Digital Library (www.smolensk-digital.ru) and search “Pavel efremov Collection.”

• Q: What criteria were used for awarding the Labor Veteran Medal?

A: Candidates must have at least 30 years of continuous service in a labor‑related field, documented contributions to regional growth, and a record of community involvement.

• Q: Will there be future events honoring othre labor veterans in Smolensk?

A: LDPR’s regional calendar includes quarterly veteran recognition ceremonies in major Smolensk districts throughout 2026.

Related Topics for Further Reading

• LDPE’s Role in Preserving Soviet‑Era Cultural Heritage
• The Evolution of Photojournalism in Post‑War Russia
• Kardymovo’s Industrial History: From Collective Farms to Modern Enterprises

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