Magadan Oblast honours seven visionaries shaping Kolyma’s legacy and future
The Magadan Oblast Duma recently held a ceremony to honour seven individuals for their outstanding contributions to the region’s history and growth. Among those recognised were a former police officer who prevented an aircraft hijacking, a mining tycoon, and a master craftsman whose work became a local landmark.
The event celebrated achievements across public service, industry, and culture, highlighting the lasting impact of each honoree on Kolyma and its people.
Anatoly Shirokov, Speaker of the Magadan Oblast Duma, opened the ceremony by welcoming guests and acknowledging the dedication of the awardees. The gathering paid tribute to figures from diverse fields, including law enforcement, mining, aviation, and cultural preservation.
Vitaly Samoilenko, a former beat officer, was recognised for his bravery in stopping an attempted aircraft hijacking. His career also included seizing large quantities of illegally poached caviar, reinforcing regional security. Alexander Basinsky, owner of the Arbat Corporation, was honoured as a leading figure in gold mining, with his company ranking among the top five in Kolyma and the top twenty in Russia.
Viktor Vikhlyantsev, a master bone carver, received praise for mentoring younger artisans and creating The Deer, a sculptural landmark in Magadan. Rudolf Sedov was acknowledged for naming numerous geographical sites in the region, preserving the legacy of its early explorers. Valentina Ampilogova transformed the Pushkin Library into a major cultural and informational centre while also chairing the Committee for Families of Defenders of the Fatherland.
Murat Galoyev was commended for safeguarding the Magadan Mechanical Plant during the region’s most difficult economic periods. Alexander Sobol, who began as an air traffic dispatcher, now leads the Aeronavigation of the Northeast branch, ensuring vital air connections between Kolyma and mainland Russia.
Notably absent from the event were three honorary citizens of the region: Boris Yeltsin, Mikhail Gorbachev, and Vladimir Putin.
The ceremony underscored the varied ways in which these individuals have shaped Magadan Oblast. Their work spans security, industry, culture, and public service, leaving a tangible mark on the region.
The Duma’s recognition highlights their roles in both preserving and advancing Kolyma’s development over decades.
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