The Saint Sava Charter of the Serbian Educational and Cultural Association Prosvjeta from Belgrade was presented today to academician Matija Bećković. President of the Belgrade SECA Prosvjeta, Milimir Mučibabić, presented the Charter to the laureate, noting that Bećković’s poetry figured in these turbulent times as an encouragement and a signpost.

- Ontology and epistemology, ethics and aesthetics live in his words and verse in miraculous harmony - said Mučibabić.

He reminded that Bećković had been in the center of attention of the literary public since the 1960s, and that he ranked among the leading figures of Serbian literary life and Serbian culture.

- He is the greatest living Serbian poet. Andrić’s ‘time can do nothing to a poet and his work’ can be applied to him - said Mučibabić.

Thanking for the recognition, Bećković said that Prosvjeta had overhonored him by, as he stated, joining him to the previous recipients of the Saint Sava Charter regardless of so many more deserving. He also said that the Charter was the highest recognition awarded by the famous Serbian educational and cultural society.

- I was added to a 120-year-long list of members of the Prosvjeta society, which has spread its glory and the glory of our people all over the world - said Bećković.

He reminded that the first 35 educated Serbs had founded that society to take care of students being educated around the world.

Bećković is the recipient of many literary and republic awards /October, Milan Rakić, Seventh July, Zmaj’s, Dis’ Spring, Vuk’s, Duško Trifunović, Vinaver’s Wreath, Njegoš’s, Dimitrije Mitrinović, etc./, and also a holder of the Order of the White Eagle.

The Republic of Srpska Representative Office in Serbia has been continuously supporting the Serbian Educational and Cultural Association Prosvjeta, and this time it also provided organizational and financial support. Head of the Republic of Srpska Representative Office in Serbia, Mlađen Cicović also attended the award ceremony.

Source: Republic of Srpska Representative Office in Serbia