The minister without portfolio in the Government of the Republic of Serbia in charge of coordinating activities and measures in the field of relations with the diaspora, Đorđe Milićević, opened yesterday the ceremony where the Gold Badges of the Cultural and Educational Community of Serbia were awarded to numerous artistic creators from the country, the region and the diaspora.

Milićević said that diaspora’s role was essential, since its members were cultural ambassadors outside Serbia and made Serbian people unique and recognizable around the world.

By preserving the Serbian language, culture and traditions around the world, the Serbian diaspora also preserves the survival of our people in the countries where they live, the minister pointed out.

He said that it was especially important for diaspora members coming from Montenegro, where population census was underway, to declare themselves as their ancestors had been declaring themselves for centuries and to proudly state the language they write and speak.

The minister told the artists from the diaspora that he knew that it was not easy to be far from one’s roots, but certainty in the motherland’s appreciation and support of your efforts turned the distance into closeness and made the connection with the motherland stronger.

Milićević congratulated all the recipients, expressing his gratitude for their commitment to preserving and improving our rich cultural heritage.

You are the pride of our diaspora, a bridge between the past, present and future. May this award be an incentive for you to continue your undoubted contribution to our community and to spread the brilliance of our culture around the world, concluded the minister.

Source: Government of the Republic of Serbia

Photo: Đorđe Čolović