Gleb Nikitin and Dmitry Grachev discussed working with veterans of the special military operation.

      02 October 2025 12:10 Society

      The Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, Gleb Nikitin, met with Deputy Minister of Internal Regional and Municipal Policy Dmitry Grachev — a participant in the second cohort of the federal personnel development program "Time of Heroes". Within this initiative, the head of the region serves as his mentor.

      During the conversation, Dmitry Grachev shared his impressions of participating in the program. He noted that taking part in "Time of Heroes" allowed him to gain a deeper understanding of the ministry's work and to adapt more quickly to new tasks. He also spoke about an internship during which he studied the activities of key regional structures.

      In particular, he became acquainted with the work of the Regional Control Center, the ANO "Youth Center 'Vysota'", the "Avangard" center, the Corporate University of the Government of the Nizhny Novgorod Region (KUPNO), as well as the "Gosstart" competence center operating within KUPNO.

      Accompanied by his mentor, Dmitry Grachev visited the Spassky and Pilninsky districts, where he was able to see the work of local administrations firsthand.

      "This is invaluable experience. To learn something, it is important to see everything with your own eyes, to observe the work of municipal heads who interact directly with people," Grachev emphasized.

      Gleb Nikitin noted that Grachev's participation in the program is especially valuable given his combat experience. According to the governor, this allows for more effective communication with the families of special military operation participants on the ground.

      "Today this is extremely important. When a person who has taken part in the SMO participates in meetings with our servicemen and their relatives, it helps to better understand needs and provide targeted assistance," the head of the region said.

      As part of the internship, Dmitry Grachev repeatedly took part in delivering humanitarian aid to servicemen and residents of the new territories. In addition, he informed servicemen about the measures of support in the region, as well as about the "Heroes. Nizhny Novgorod Region" program aimed at adapting and employing SMO veterans in government bodies.

      In addition to participating in the federal program, Dmitry Grachev himself became a mentor in a regional initiative. He is helping another SMO veteran learn the principles and practices of public administration.

      The "Time of Heroes" program is being implemented on the instructions of Russian President Vladimir Putin by the Higher School of Public Administration of the Presidential Academy (RANEPA) based at the Senezh management workshop. Its goal is to train qualified managers from among SMO participants to work in government bodies and state companies.

      The training lasts about two years in a blended format: in-person modules are combined with independent work. The second cohort started in November 2024 and includes 85 participants, among them Dmitry Grachev. The average age of participants in the regional program is 38. Among the 60 participants there is 1 woman and 59 men. Seventy-five percent of them have higher education, and the total number of awards they have received for service is 91.

      Recall, on September 11 the "Mentor Day" took place as part of the "Heroes. Nizhny Novgorod Region" program. It was reported that mentors for program participants included, among others, Deputy Governor Andrey Gneushev and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Evgeny Lyulin.

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