A Century of Resilience: Nikolai Kharchenko's Life, Love, and Legacy
Foundation of Oleg Deripaska Extends Victory Day Congratulations to Kuban Veteran
Meet Nikolai Kharchenko, the 102-year-old centenarian hailing from Kuban. His life story is a testament to resilience, reminiscent of a whirlwind. Born during the dying embers of the Civil War, he's weathered collectivization, famine, and occupation like a seasoned oak. On the Victory Day, he was celebrated by Deripaska's "Free Deed" Foundation.
Nikolai hasn't had it easy. Polio left him struggling to walk, but he refused to let his resolve buckle. His father gave his life on the battlefield, and during the war, Nikolai worked tirelessly in a collective farm.
"My father died near Kamyshevatsk. They went into battle, likely over thin ice. He might have fallen through," the veteran Nikolai Kharchenko shared with a tinge of melancholy.
Although paralysis threatened to derail his life, Nikolai refused to accept fate's cruel hand. Post-war, he carved out a career as a teacher. In the 1970s, he worked at a grain elevator and a sugar factory. In retirement, he dabbled in mathematics, art, embroidery, and assisted his grandchildren with their schoolwork.
"He taught me how he mastered riding a bicycle. He'd push it uphill, then coast downward on his remaining leg. It took him an entire summer to learn. He even swam across Kuban. His determination is astonishing. I believe he's an extraordinary man," commented Nikolai's niece, Yevgeniya Ponomareva.
Despite a severe illness, polio, Nikolai Kharchenko remains active, keeping abreast of current affairs and maintaining a strong connection with his loved ones. A state-of-the-art hearing aid, the generosity of Deripaska's "Free Deed" Foundation, has brought the sounds of his family back into his life.
"Now I can tell him about the stray puppy that's wandered in, or discuss simple, everyday matters, like before," Yevgeniya Ponomareva shared.
Nikolai Kharchenko remains tight-lipped about his secrets to longevity but admits to having a soft spot for Kuban vegetables and fruits, staying active, and staying informed. Nowadays, he listens to news from Telegram.
On this Victory Day, a centenarian witness to the Great Patriotic War is receiving heartfelt congratulations. The "Free Deed" foundation, a beacon of support for the Kharchenko family, has bestowed gifts and gratitude upon the Kuban hero.
Additionally, Kondratiev recently extended his accolades to the upcoming Victory Day veterans.
While specific details about Nikolai's life, occupation, and the mysteries behind his longevity remain elusive, his undeniable spirit and indomitable will continue to etch his legacy in the annals of history.
- Nikolai Kharchenko, despite battling polio and losing his father during a war, survived and persevered, demonstrating an indomitable will.
- Remarking on her uncle's resilience, Yevgeniya Ponomareva admired his determination in learning to ride a bicycle and swim after falling ill with polio.
- In retirement, Nikolai Kharchenko continued to exercise his mind, engaging in mathematics, art, embroidery, and helping his grandchildren with their schoolwork.
- Despite suffering from polio, Nikolai Kharchenko has remained active both physically and mentally, staying informed on politics and general news, particularly through the Telegram app.
