Putin called Pakhmutova's songs native for all generations

Russian President Vladimir Putin on December 12 presented composer Alexandra Pakhmutova with the medal of the Hero of Labor of Russia, calling her songs native and unifying.

"Your songs, dear Alexandra Nikolayevna, have become close, have become native for different people and different generations. They unite us. I want to repeat once again: you yourself are the melody of our country and our people," the Russian leader said while presenting the award.

Earlier, on November 9, Putin congratulated Pakhmutova on her anniversary, calling her the singer of an entire era and the melody of the country. The head of state added that her life-affirming spirit is fully reflected in her works.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin also attended Pakhmutova's creative evening, presenting the People's Artist with a bouquet of flowers. He noted that the composer's songs are remembered and loved by people of different generations "not only in the Russian Federation, but also beyond its borders".