The Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in New York, Dr. Vladimir Božović, solemnly opened the Solemn Academy organized on the occasion of the 170th anniversary of the birth of Nikola Tesla and the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America, organized by the Tesla Science Foundation.
Held in historic Philadelphia – the city where American democracy was born – the Solemn Academy gathered a large number of scientists, professors, researchers, engineers, representatives of the Serbian diaspora, and numerous admirers of the character and work of Nikola Tesla from the United States of America, Serbia, Montenegro, Republika Srpska, numerous European countries, and other parts of the world.
During the multi-day conference, numerous scientific and professional papers dedicated to the life, scientific work, and universal legacy of Nikola Tesla, as well as his immeasurable contribution to the development of modern science, technology, and civilization, were presented.
Opening the Solemn Academy, Consul General Božović pointed out that two great jubilees symbolically connect the values that shaped the modern world – freedom, knowledge, creativity, innovation, and faith in the power of the human spirit. On that occasion, he said:
“In a time of complex global challenges, Tesla’s philosophy speaks to us more strongly than ever. We need people who build bridges, not walls; who unite instead of divide; who choose dialogue instead of conflict and who, through knowledge, mutual respect, and cooperation, build a more peaceful, safer, and more prosperous future.”
During his stay in Philadelphia, Consul General Božović was a guest of the Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia at a diplomatic reception organized by the Consulate of the Republic of Fiji. On that occasion, he met with the President of the Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia, Ms. Christa Bard, the Ambassador of the Republic of Fiji, representatives of the City of Philadelphia, and numerous members of the diplomatic corps, whom he invited to attend the Solemn Academy.
On the final day of the event, on the feast of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul – Petrovdan, the Holy Liturgy was served at the St. Nicholas Temple in Philadelphia, after which a lunch from Tesla’s homeland was prepared, along with a rich cultural and artistic program and the continuation of socializing for all participants of the Academy.
Addressing those present after the Holy Liturgy, Consul General Božović pointed out that Nikola Tesla is much more than one of the greatest scientists in the history of mankind.
On that occasion, he emphasized:
“Serbia gave Nikola Tesla his spiritual roots, faith and family shaped his character, and America gave him the opportunity to turn his genius into a work that changed the world. That is precisely why Nikola Tesla is not only a symbol of Serbian genius and American scientific progress – he is the strongest bridge of friendship between Serbia and the United States of America.”
Consul General Božović pointed out that it is necessary to build a new chapter of Serbian-American relations based on truth, mutual respect, and strategic partnership, as well as to change outdated and unjust narratives that have burdened the relations of the two peoples for decades.
He expressed particular gratitude to the United States of America for providing Nikola Tesla with the opportunity to fully realize his genius, but also for accepting millions of immigrants throughout its history, including numerous Serbs who, with their knowledge, work, and self-sacrifice, made a significant contribution to the development of American society – from Mihajlo Pupin and Đorđe Šagić to nameless miners, metallurgists, workers, engineers, and entrepreneurs who participated in building modern America.
He concluded that Nikola Tesla is the strongest symbol of the shared values of Serbia and the United States of America and the best platform for further strengthening the friendship, cooperation, and strategic partnership of the two countries and two peoples.
“The General Consulate of the Republic of Serbia in New York will continue, in cooperation with the Serbian community, American partners, and friends of Serbia, to actively contribute to strengthening relations between the Republic of Serbia and the United States of America, affirming the universal values that Nikola Tesla embodied with his life and work – knowledge, freedom, creativity, responsibility, cooperation, and peace,” the Consulate stated in a press release.
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Author: Serbian Times Photo: Privatna arhiva