In the 1950s, the name Vera Kondakova was probably familiar to every Soviet schoolchild. And abroad, the little pioneer girl was known. But if you ask the current generation about her, hardly at least half will say that they know this name. Meanwhile, Vera Kondakova is the girl from that very photo with Stalin.
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The photo was taken on May 1, 1952. She was preceded by a long preparation, when it was decided to congratulate Joseph Vissarionovich on behalf of all Soviet schoolchildren. Naturally, the selection for the role of an honorary congratulator was extremely strict. The choice fell on Vera for several reasons. The fact is that despite the fact that the girl was just a first grader, she recited beautifully. At the same time, teachers and leaders of circles noted creative and active features in Kondakova. In addition, the appearance of the little beauty could not help but touch.
Vera still remembers the solemn day as if it were yesterday. It is not surprising, because to meet the leader at such a young age is the ultimate dream of all pioneers. The girl was prepared as much as possible, but many adults were worried that, due to their young age, the child would mess up something, for example, she would not recognize Stalin or rise to him at the wrong time.
However, everything went perfectly, however, Kondakova herself then worried that she was in a hurry because of her nerves, because of which she did not go to the beat of the music. Apparently, in order to deprive the girl of the opportunity to make a mistake, Stalin himself took a step forward when the first grader approached him.
It was originally planned that the child would simply hand flowers to Iosif Vissarionovich, answer questions about the school and grades, take a picture, and it would all be over. However, either because of nerves, or because of childish emotionality, the girl, handing the color, suddenly hugged Stalin and kissed him on the cheek. The leader appreciated the emotional gesture and played along with the child.
Since then, Vera Kondakova has become an all-Union famous girl. She was often recognized on the streets and called several times on the radio. Now she is no longer a girl, but she carefully keeps her memories, and a photograph with Stalin hangs on the wall in her apartment.
A source: Russian seven
Photo source: Vasily Egorov, Vladimir Savostyanov/TASS