This year, Philadelphia will host a several-day program dedicated to the life, work and legacy of Nikola Tesla, organized by the Tesla Science Foundation (TSN) of Philadelphia. Under the joint title Tesla Days in Philadelphia, the gathering will combine science, culture, Serbian heritage and international cooperation with a rich program that includes a city tour, a conference, an awards ceremony and a church folk gathering.

On the first day, Thursday, 9 July, participants will have the opportunity to get acquainted with Philadelphia’s historical sights. This introductory part of the program is designed as an opportunity for participants to connect with the host city, but also to meet each other before the formal sessions.

The central event of Tesla Days will be an international conference on Friday, 10 July. The conference will be divided into two sessions – one in Serbian, the other in English. The first session held in Serbian will present papers dedicated to Tesla’s life, scientific work and legacy, as well as the Tesla’s People initiative. Topics will cover science, literature, documentary film, video productions, fine arts and multimedia. Tesla’s personality will thus be viewed from multiple angles – as a scientist, a cultural symbol and an inspiration for contemporary creators. The second session will be intended for an American and international audience and will be held in English. Its focus will be Tesla’s lasting legacy in world science, Serbian people’s contribution to science and humanity, and importance of education, culture and international cooperation.

The conference will be followed by a gala dinner with presentation of awards, certificates of appreciation, and special recognition. This event will highlight individuals and organizations that have contributed significantly to the preservation and promotion of Tesla’s legacy through their work. The final program day, Sunday, 12 July, will be devoted to fellowship at the St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church in Elkins Park. After the Divine Liturgy beginning at 10:00hrs, the Tesla Science Foundation, in cooperation with the parish, will organize a Lunch from Tesla’s Land consisting of traditional Serbian dishes and a gathering of believers and guests. This gathering will include official establishment of the first Tesla Club within a Serbian Orthodox Church, as a pilot project for the future establishment of Tesla Clubs in Serbian communities around the world. The goal is to cherish permanently the memory of Nikola Tesla in the church and community life of Serbs in the diaspora, but also to encourage educational, cultural and scientific activities for all generations through the clubs.

The organization is headed by Nikola Lončar, president and founder of the Tesla Science Foundation, who has been working for years to connect Tesla’s legacy, the Serbian community and the international scientific community. Tesla Days in Philadelphia thus become more than an event – they are a meeting of tradition and modern science, a meeting of Serbian identity and the American urban environment, and a bridge between Tesla’s homeland and the world to which he gave so much with his inventions.

Source and photo: Rasejanje.info