SEVENTY - SECOND HALF (1976 - 1979). OPINIONS ABOUT SHARAF RASHIDOV
There are many examples of the authority that Sharaf Rashidov enjoyed among various people. Said Rizaev remembers: "Sharaf Rashidov's characteristic feature was that he constantly communicated with people. Once, I went with him to the opening of a sanatorium in the Havast district. On the way, we saw an Uzbek woman with three children. She was holding bread and grapes in her hands. As he saw her, Sharaf Rashidovich asked to stop the car.
Approaching him, the woman held out the bread and grapes and said: "Thank you, dear Sharaf Rashidovich, for the care you take about us, working women. And please pat my children on the head."
Sharaf Rashidovich fulfilled her request and kissed her children with great feelings. The scene shook me to tears. No one pre-prepared it. This was one of hundreds of examples showing the attitude of the people to this person. Uzbeks have a succinct word, halal. When used in relation to a person, it means crystal clear: a person to whom no filth sticks. In my memory, in my mind, Sharaf Rashidovich remained exactly like that."
ALTHOUGH IN THE 1970S MANY ORDINARY PEOPLE HAD ALREADY DEVELOPED A STRONG DISLIKE FOR THOSE IN POWER – THE RED BAIS, AS THEY CALLED THEM, – SHARAF RASHIDOV CONTINUED TO ENJOY POPULARITY, AND NOT EVEN A SHADOW OF SUSPICION FELL ON HIM IN CONNECTION WITH THE NEGATIVE PHENOMENA THAT EXISTED THEN IN THE SOVIET SOCIETY.
People expressed their admiration for Sharaf Rashidov, even when he was on his deathbed: "Dear Sharaf Rashidovich! In Uzbekistan, there is no equal to you in terms of thinking abilities, efficiency, intelligence, development, talent, and ability to organise and lead the masses. You came out of the most ordinary people, and you appreciate friendship and love people like no one else. For 10 years, I have seen how easy it is to solve difficult issues with you, with what care and love you treat people in military uniform. In the history of Uzbekistan, you will leave a deep mark, indelible and unforgettable. You are like an ocean iceberg, only part of which is on the surface.
Your whole family can serve an example and be your pride. Let Volodya, whom I admire, Khursana Gafurovna and all your loved ones read this letter; let the children and grandchildren remember what I thought of their father until the last beat of my heart. I am infinitely sorry that I have to say goodbye to you. But this is inexorable and inevitable. This is fate. Goodbye, my dearest man, goodbye, your whole family ..." That was a letter from the commander of the Turkestan military district, General Belonozhko.
