Born: 1932 (Moscow, Soviet Union)
Biography:
Tatyana Mikhailovna Velikanova was a prominent mathematician and Soviet dissident. Born on February 3, 1932, in Moscow, she played a crucial role in the human rights movement in the Soviet Union, leaving an indelible mark on the country’s history. Velikanova’s remarkable courage and dedication to exposing human rights abuses led to her involvement as an editor of A Chronicle of Current Events, an underground periodical that operated from 1968 to 1983.
Velikanova’s commitment to the cause of human rights became evident when, in May 1974, she fearlessly declared her affiliation with the anonymously edited and distributed bulletin at a press conference. This bold act undoubtedly placed her in great personal danger but exemplified her unwavering commitment to exposing the truth.
In addition to her editorial duties, Velikanova was also a founding member of the Initiative Group on Human Rights in the USSR. This organization, established in 1969, was the first human rights group to emerge in the Soviet Union since 1918. Velikanova’s active participation in this group demonstrated her determination to fight for justice and uphold the principles of human rights and freedom.
Regrettably, Velikanova herself became a target of the Soviet regime. In November 1979, she was arrested and later sentenced in August 1980 to four years in a prison camp, followed by five years of internal exile. Despite being offered amnesty by Mikhail Gorbachev in December 1987, Velikanova refused to accept it, choosing instead to serve her full sentence of exile. Her refusal was an act of defiance and steadfastness, as she was one of the last two women convicted under Article 70, alongside Elena Sannikova.
Before her involvement in the human rights movement, Velikanova had pursued an academic career in mathematics. She graduated from the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics at Moscow State University in 1954. After completing her studies, she worked as a teacher in a school in the Urals before becoming a programmer in Moscow from 1957 onwards.
Velikanova’s journey into the world of dissidence began in 1968 when she witnessed the Red Square demonstration. This public protest against the Soviet-led invasion of Czechoslovakia and the suppression of the Prague Spring reforms resonated deeply with her. The arrest of her husband, Konstantin Babitsky, during the demonstration further fueled her commitment to fighting against injustice.
In May 1969, Velikanova became one of the founding members of the Action Group for the Defense of Human Rights in the USSR. Unlike other dissident organizations of the time, this group sought to gain international support by appealing to the international community. By addressing the victims of political repression in the Soviet Union and bringing their plight to the attention of the UN Commission on Human Rights, Velikanova and her colleagues highlighted the urgent need for change.
Throughout the 1970s, Velikanova contributed to A Chronicle of Current Events, a samizdat periodical that exposed the Soviet authorities’ violations of civil rights and judicial abuses. This unofficial bi-monthly publication disseminated reports from all corners of the USSR, shedding light on the realities faced by dissenters and human rights activists within the country.
Tatyana Velikanova’s unwavering dedication to the cause of human rights and her bravery in exposing the truth were vital in raising awareness about the repressive nature of the Soviet regime. Her steadfastness in the face of personal adversity and her contributions to the human rights movement make her a significant figure in women’s history, symbolizing the strength and resilience of women advocating for justice and equality.