Dear citizens,
The day we celebrate Petar II Petrović Njegoš, a great man who illuminated the paths of our culture with his pen and spirit, is more than an ordinary holiday. These days are an opportunity to remember the values that this poet, philosopher, bishop, thinker and spiritual man instilled in generations, namely the values of freedom, courage and wisdom, honor and spiritual elevation through which we answer the riddle of life.
In our entire cultural heritage, Njegoš has a special place because with his poetry and expression he illuminated the value of our language, customs, history, as well as political and social circumstances, thus becoming a model of cultural models on which the layered identity of Montenegro rests. Njegoš is not just a historical figure; he is a beacon that even today illuminates our paths through his thoughts and verses, which are still passed down from generation to generation, as inspiration and admonition. His works reflect the struggle for truth and justice and offer universal messages about human nature that transcend borders and eras. His greatness transcends time, paving the way for our future and testifying to the universal values of the human spirit.
Today, when we celebrate the holiday of the culture of Montenegro, let's remember Njegoš's visions and ideals, enlightenment and culture - the foundation of every society. We know Njegoš as a versatile visionary who left an indelible mark on Montenegrin literature and philosophy, but we also discover his lesser-known heritage, about which there are only a few studies. With his interest in photography, Njegoš symbolically lit the way for the development of the artistic and cultural heritage of Montenegro. Daguerreotype photography, as a new eye of the times, arrived in Montenegro during the time of Njegoš. A print in red wax with the inscriptions "Montenegro" and "Zlatni Perun" testifies to Njegoš's intention to mint Montenegrin coins called Zlatni Perun. The small school in Cetinje is the light of knowledge that lit the way for future generations, while the artesian wells, the windmill, geographical maps, roads to Rijeka Crnojevića and Čevo represented concern for the community and hope for prosperity.
If Njegoš achieved all this in only 37 years, let him inspire us today to preserve his legacy so that we too can boldly push the boundaries for future generations. The legacy he left us is the code we live by, the rhythm of the language we speak, but also the bequest of prudence and humanity.
The Ministry of Culture and Media will, therefore, continue to encourage the preservation of cultural heritage as a bridge between the past and the future, remembers the greats that each cultural festival revives, nurtures the creative spirit, inspires creativity and encourages the achievements of modern art, continuing their mission and transferring their importance to new generation.
Someone shines an eternal light on us, making us privileged to have had him. Bishop Rada left an indelible mark of wisdom and perseverance, steadfastness and pride, while his ever-new message leads us along the path of truth and humanity. With a poetic soul, inexhaustible inspiration, he builds the man of Montenegro, who is not "blind in his eyes", but knows the purpose of his self.
The word is a creation of the human mind, but it penetrates the heart. It strengthens the thought. Her charms are astonishing and her power unsurpassed. Like any true work, Njegoš's work is a work of art. And the work that is sincere is free and timeless. And we continue to live guided by the invisible hand of God, which, with invisible threads, follows or even guides our life and state paths.
Happy Njegoš day - a holiday of Montenegrin culture - a day when Montenegro celebrates all that makes us strong and proud citizens of a free, established state, which, like a "straw among whirlwinds", remains steadfast, because it never wanted to be bound in chains!
Every event in culture, every celebration of our heritage, every new creation, makes us bigger and stronger on our way to the future!
If you are staying in your homeland during the holidays, I suggest you visit some of the cultural programs prepared by the cities in Montenegro. If you travel outside of Montenegro, as Njegoš did on his travels, get to know the host culture, be inspired by new experiences and return to Montenegro richer!
Happy holiday!
The author is the Minister of Culture and Media
Bonus video:
