“We live on this earth as long as our memory lives” – April 25. Monika Žilinskaitė, the sister of Roka Žilinskas, spoke at the public library of Zarasai district municipality, presenting the book “I am Rokas Žilinskas”, which she published together with her friend, journalist Daiva Žeimyte-Biliene. “I found a lot of neatly arranged information, thoughts, articles, observations, letters on Roko’s computer – I started to get interested, collect material and, after consulting with my colleague Daiva, we decided to publish a publication for friends who knew and loved Roko”, said M. Žilinskaitė at the book presentation.
The book “I am Rokas Žilinskas” contains articles written by Roko, his insights, reflections, interviews with Roko by other journalists. Also part of the book includes the memories of Rock’s friends, comrades, colleagues about the man of bright memory. The book is richly illustrated with photos from both Rock’s personal life and his professional activities.
During the meeting with the people of Zarasi, Monika not only presented the book and its content, but also allowed us to get to know Roko’s personality more closely. He told about his childhood adventures, his studies in India, his work at the National Lithuanian Television, and later in the Seimas. He shared his brother’s hobbies of growing cacti and reading books.
R. Žilinskas has been elected to the Seimas since 2008. He was the first Lithuanian politician who did not hide his sexual orientation. He also spoke openly about the road to sobriety. After controlling his addiction, he then started helping others. “Taking care of others was more important than taking care of oneself,” Monika said. He devoted his free time to civics classes and lectured students on public speaking.
Ms. Žilinskaitė said that although there were difficult and dark periods in her brother’s life, although he had to overcome both professional and personal challenges, he was a very bright and very sensitive person. I admired his philosophy of life – he took on work responsibly, he was able to remain himself in difficult topics, to defend his opinion without offending his opponent. A very patient, forgiving, tactful and tolerant person.
During the evening, the audience was happy to share their kind words and memories about R. Žilinskas. Library director Danutė Karlienė was happy that when Rokas visited Zarasai, he always stopped by the library to chat with the staff. Everyone was fascinated by his diction, erudition, inner intelligence and calmness. Audronis Barisevičius remembered the common good works related to the Primary Health Care Center.
“He was a charismatic person who knew how to find a language with any person,” said A. Barisevičius. “He is a man of high political culture, extremely open, sincere and brave,” said library reader Alicija Dumbravienė, who conveyed the wishes and memories of her colleague, Algimantas Dumbravas, a member of the Seimas.
“My philosophy, which I have stated throughout my life, is that I ask you to love me for being a good friend, a good son, a good brother, a good colleague and comrade, or hate me if I am not.” Please judge me for what I do, not for being different, because my homosexuality does not make me worse or better.” (Rock Žilinskas).
If you want to read the book, we invite you to visit the library.
