The mace, a ceremonial symbol of the ataman’s power, was gifted to the writer Vitaly Zakrutkin by the leadership of the Rostov region to commemorate his anniversary in May 1983, recognizing his contributions to the Don region. In his books, Zakrutkin glorified the heroic deeds of workers and soldiers who defended the Fatherland.
In his works, Zakrutkin addressed issues of morality and humanism. He was also concerned with the pressing environmental issues, actively seeking to collaborate with scientists and public figures to find solutions.
Vitaly Zakrutkin cared for veterans and the elderly. He also supported young people through speeches and publications in the press. Zakrutkin contributed to the prosperity of many wine-growing state farms and the construction of housing, cultural centers, music schools, and sports halls in rural areas. He advocated for improving working conditions at the Kochetovskaya hydroelectric power station and the earliest possible replacement of manual labor in state farm orchards and vineyards. For this purpose, Zakrutkin donated considerable sums of money to institutions, which he received when awarded state prizes for his literary merits.
Vitaly Zakrutkin received
similar maces as gifts several times, and he was respectfully referred to as
“our ataman”. Poems and songs were dedicated to him, such as this one:
