Past: How a student became a rector, but failed

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In the spring, a new rector arrived at our university - student Solkin. He arrived with an ambitious attitude, trying to impress his colleagues with his status, but his attempts to create authority were unsuccessful. We greeted him with due politeness, but his status as a student did not add to his prestige at the central institutions. Solkin quickly lost confidence and, leaving behind much unfinished business, hastened to Tashkent. This likely affected his reputation, and he soon resigned from his post as rector, becoming an assistant to the rector for student affairs, although he retained influence over the university's governance.

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The book "On the Waves of Life" by V. V. Stratonov, published in 2019 in Moscow by "New Literary Review", examines key aspects of human existence. The author explores the various stages of life, emphasizing the importance of awareness and understanding them. The work is an in-depth analysis that intertwines personal stories and philosophical reflections, allowing readers to reflect on their own path and the meaning of life. The book serves as a source of inspiration and reflection for anyone seeking answers to life's important questions.

Context

The author of these memoirs is Vsevolod Viktorovich Stratonov, an outstanding astrophysicist who lived from 1869 to 1938. He is the founder of the Russian Astrophysical Institute (RAFI). In the post-revolutionary years, Stratonov served as dean of the physics and mathematics department of Moscow State University. From 1918 to 1920, he actively participated in the creation of the new Turkestan University, which later became the Central Asian State University, and today is known as the Mirzo Ulugbek National University of Uzbekistan. Stratonov's memoirs represent a valuable contribution to the history of science and education, reflecting his life and achievements in astrophysics and university affairs.

The university in Tashkent was organized after two years of meetings of the commission in Moscow. During this period, faculty were actively recruited, equipment and literature were purchased, and negotiations were conducted with local authorities to secure support and assistance in establishing the institution.

The first rector of the university, elected in Moscow, was Nikolai Aleksandrovich Dimo, a professor of soil science. He was an energetic and proactive man who made a significant contribution to the establishment of the institution. However, upon arriving in Tashkent, he encountered discontent among the local faculty, as Stratonov recalls. Faculty members from the local intelligentsia did not welcome the "outsider" rector, which led to intrigue and controversy. As a result, a decision was made to hold new rectoral elections, highlighting the importance of the local context in university governance.

Dimo did not want to part with his position, as Stratonov noted. Seeking support, he made a risky decision: he formed ties with representatives of communist ideology, particularly with the active student communist cell at the university. This decision brought him success and significantly increased his chances of maintaining his position.

Dimo's opposition successfully maneuvered, using his own methods: a prominent figure from the student communist cell, Solkin, was nominated as a candidate for rector. The comrades unanimously decided to support their candidate. The election resulted in a unique event: a student became rector of the university. N. A. Dimo, who had not received sufficient support, remained as dean of the agronomy faculty. This incident became an example of unexpected turns in student politics and emphasized the importance of unity within student organizations.

In the post-revolutionary period, communist student cells began to form in all higher education institutions, in addition to the traditional self-governing bodies represented by the professors. Their opinions became important to university administration and sometimes exerted significant influence on decision-making. A similar situation was observed in schools: although students were not yet fully immersed in communist ideology, they gained the ability to exert pressure on the administration. These changes in the educational system reflected a broader shift in the society and political atmosphere of the time.

At Tashkent University, the student body achieved significant success by appointing one of its members as rector at the age of just 25. This fact underscores the active role of students in the governance of the institution. In his memoirs, Stratonov mentions this rector's assignment to the university's Moscow office, which attests to his professional growth and significance within the educational system. Student self-government at Tashkent University is a striking example of the influence young people exert on important decision-making in the educational environment.

Student Andrei Solkin's tenure as rector lasted less than a year. After the transfer of authority to the next professor, he assumed the position of vice-rector. His academic career subsequently developed successfully until it ended tragically in 1937, when he became a victim of political repression.

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