Penza, 15 October 2014. PenzaNews. The President of Russia Vladimir Putin commemorated the importance of Mikhail Lermontov’s work that greatly contributed to the development of Russian culture.

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Opening the plenary meeting of the ongoing two-day All-Russia People’s Front (APF) forum “Quality education for the Country,” the head of the state congratulated the audience with Mikhail Lermontov’s 200th anniversary.

“I would like to congratulate everybody who holds dear the Russian culture. Today is the 200th anniversary of Mikhail Lermontov,” said the Russian president.

Vladimir Putin added that Mikhail Lermontov was a man with a difficult, but interesting character.

“He was a genius, and he is our genius. And, without any doubt, he was a patriot. There are many meanings to this word, but there is no doubt in it,” said the head of the state.