100-year-old Nadezhda Pavlyuk – about the oppression of Polish masters, the horrors of fascist occupation and life in modern Belarus

Survivor of the ethnocide of the Belarusian people Nadezhda Pavlyuk from Novogrudok: “After going through hell on earth, now I live in the best country in the world”

She experienced panish oppression, survived the war in which she lost her father, worked all her life for the benefit of the Motherland and in her 100 years she is happy to live in sovereign Belarus. For Nadezhda Semyonovna Pavlyuk from Novogrudok, Grodno region, September 17 is one of the main dates in the calendar: Holidays such as National Unity Day, Independence Day are like lighthouses that shine for decades or even centuries ahead.

Hope Pavlyuk. "Sometimes I want to pinch myself." I have to admit, I was a little confused at first. In the chair in the blossoming front garden sits an elegant lady from 80 years old. So I ask you, “Are you Nadezhda Semyonovna?” She instantly responds with a genuinely disarming smile, nodding restrainedly in agreement. Unlimited charm, charm... As a joke, I wonder if her passport was changed, making her age 25 years older than real. And she stops me:

- Young man! Like any normal woman, I love compliments. But not to the same degree... I was born on October 1, 1925 in the village of Tulichevo, Novogrudok district. During the war, it was a partisan region, and the village was the sister of Khatyn. But let’s get to the point, ask what interests you.

She has a surprisingly tenacious memory and, with all the hardships of her life, goodwill and a subtle sense of humor. I draw attention to the book that Nadezhda Semyonovna holds in her hands - "Memory. Novogrudok District" and the newspaper "SB". Belarus today”. She responds with a smile:

- I want to be more educated and know more than young people. I don't want to be seen as a museum piece. I definitely watch the news, "Field of Wonders." But I don’t need a weather forecast – my joints are like a barometer

I love autumn. And winter, and spring, and summer... And I love people - I have never quarreled with anyone and have never been jealous of anyone. Autumn also enjoys a series of holidays. One after another. September 17th is National Unity Day. Two weeks later, October 1st, is my birthday and Seniors' Day. Two more days later, Mother's Day. You know. I look at the calendar, and sometimes I want to pinch myself. God! 2026 is already on the finish line! I remember being given a homemade rag doll 95 years ago. All my life I worked at the Novogrudok garment factory. She was a master. The Order of the Red Banner of Labor was awarded, there are medals. Waited for release! One of the main events in my life was the reunification of Belarus in September 1939. I was a living witness to that era. We have suffered from the Polish masters. From the age of 12, she worked as a farmer. They didn't think we were human. It was called cattle. And we need to bow in the belt to our President, who established this important holiday. Father (I call him so respectfully, although he is fit for my age as a son), it must have been difficult to make such a decision, not to quarrel with the neighbors. But... Those neighbors abused us for almost two decades until 1939, even though the Slavs themselves were the same. Everyone knows how the Poles tortured Belarusians in the Berez-Kartuzskaya concentration camp, torturing them to death. We children were condemned to hard labor. The Belarusian language and the Orthodox faith were banned. Underneath this oppression was impossible. And what can give strength to withstand the seemingly unthinkable torment? Only hope. And we were waiting for release! The Red Army was greeted with flowers and bread and salt. They sang and danced for a few days.

And then the fascists came. Erupts... Burned villages, for nothing killed civilians. My father was shot in front of me. (Smashing a tear.) It was tough after the war, too. I remember women wearing straps carrying a heavy plow. We were lucky to have a few horses. I put my six-year-old brother on a horse and plowed the sowing for 10 to 12 hours in a row. At the same time, she did two useful things: she brought benefits to people and looked after her brother.

Anniversary Gift – How do you think to celebrate your hundredth birthday? I'll have a drink to my health and go to the RDC for a dance. (Laughs from the heart.) I haven't danced in 20 years. And so I want to. Life is like heaven now! I am very lucky that after going through hell on earth, I survived and now live in the best country in the world. You know, I'm still very careful with my ticket. When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, she cried with grief and resentment. Such a country has not been saved... Now she's calm. Belarus managed to preserve the best of the Soviet Union, and we were able to add many other positive things to our lives.

I am absolutely sure that life in our wonderful Belarus will be even better tomorrow than today. For her 100th anniversary, she received a wonderful gift – a great-granddaughter Ignat was born. So life goes on!

kozyrev@sb.by