In addition to the Alliance of Serbs, which brings together a large part of our diaspora in France, the organization European Roots is taking its place, especially among the younger generation. Within its efforts to preserve the Serbian identity, this organization published and presented in Paris a book about 50 notable Serbian scientists, rulers and authors.

Many members of European Roots are the second and third generations living and studying in France, and a number of them were born there.

The goal of these young people is to preserve the Serbian language, culture and customs. European Roots recently published a book about 50 of our personalities who marked the French-Serbian history. That is what we spoke about with the president of the organization, Nemanja Dimitrijević.

‘The promotion of the book 50 Personalities who Marked French-Serbian History took place on 11 March at the Cultural Center of Serbia in Paris. The writing of that book started some six months ago, when we got the idea that all the personalities related to France are very important in France, French-Serbian culture and history. We gathered them all in a single collection,’ says Nemanja Dimitrijević.

The book presents short biographies of the notable personalities, from rulers, kings Peter I, Alexander I Karađorđević, King Milan and Queen Natalija Obrenović, to scientists Nikola Tesla and Jovan Cvijić, Milutin Milanković, artists, painters Vlada Veličković, Ljuba Popović, authors, directors and athletes.

‘We would like to thank the Embassy of Serbia in France and Serbian Orthodox Church, who responded to the invitation and graced our event. What we like best is that Serbian youth in France has woken up finally and helped this event a lot,’ says Nemanja.

Nemanja and his friends are planning to present an edition in Serbian soon in Serbia. He also told us about the plans for the future of European Roots.

‘The promotion will take place all over France, wherever there are Serbian associations and diaspora, and you can also expect shooting of a Serbian-French film this summer, to be broadcast next autumn, that is another project of ours. We will also have a humanitarian concert in Paris to help the Serbs in KiM,’ says Nemanja.

With such enthusiasm of our young compatriots in France, there is nothing left for us but to follow their work, certain that despite all the challenges they will succeed in preserving the Serbian language, culture and customs in the distant world.

Source: Radio Television of Serbia

Photo: Avala News