Njegoš is a symbol of courage and consistency in a world that often obeys the expectations of the majority, and the lesson for the guardians of culture is that, even in a globalized world, identity and authenticity remain the fundamental force that connects us to our roots. That's why with every creation in culture, we make Montenegro more established on its path of eternity.
This was announced by the Minister of Culture and Media, Tamara Vujović, at the central ceremony on the occasion of Njegoš Day, the Montenegrin holiday of culture.
She said that Njegoš is a Montenegrin, but also a European writer, poet, philosopher, thinker, "and we are his eternal debtors, because with his works of universal importance, he made Montenegro an equal part of the rich and varied European and world heritage".
"Therefore, by declaring Njegoš's Day - Montenegrin cultural holiday, we at least partially returned the debt to the great man of our history and our literature. Also, the national holiday in honor of rulers, priests, and poets - Culture Day - shows how important and caring we are, and that culture shows us as a country. Culture is peace, art is peace - and that's why this is a holiday that belongs to all of us. Our holiday is growing, as is our culture, and that's a wonderful knowledge," Vujović said.
In her poetry, as she pointed out, Njegoš records the cosmic drama of creation and the drama of one's individual existence, and we look back at the spirit and thought that has inspired and enlightened us for almost two centuries.
"He conveyed to us a vision of a universe in which the human will constantly struggles with forces that exceed our power of understanding, bringing a poeticized cosmology and a search for meaning that reminds us that we are all, in our own way, travelers in time, trapped between heaven and earth," the words are Vujović.
She added that Njegoš, as a poet, thinker and philosopher, combines poetic language with philosophical ideas, religious experience and symbolism, as the imperative of culture stands above us today.
"Someone found what is closest to the truth - knowledge about the ineffability of the universe. From him we learned that our battle does not take place only on the battlefields but also within ourselves, in facing our own weaknesses and fears. "His thought leads us through the dark and light regions of the soul, revealing to us how small we are in front of the forces of nature, but also how great we are in our pursuit of understanding and justice," Vujović said.
She said that Njegoš should be studied, interpreted, viewed in its entirety, the fullness of life and work, not only during the holidays, but throughout the year.
"Let's look at him as a statesman, a visionary. Njegoš's commitment to the progress of the community can be seen in the founding of a small school in Cetinje, a symbol of the light of knowledge, which shone and illuminated the path for generations. Artesian wells, a windmill, geographical maps, as well as roads towards Rijeka Crnojevića and Čevo, represented Njegoš's concern for the daily life of the community and his vision of prosperity. In this way, this versatile leader showed that culture and enlightenment are not only ideals, but also the force that establishes society and its duration. Let's watch the bishop in all his glory, proudly wearing the Montenegrin national costume through the streets of Rome, showing that identity does not change by adapting to circumstances, but by enriching it through one's own experience and preserving one's own values," said Vujović.
As she pointed out, Njegoš is a symbol of courage and consistency in a world that often obeys the expectations of the majority.
"This attitude can forever serve as a lesson - to the guardians of culture, that even in a globalized world, identity and authenticity remain the fundamental force that connects us to our roots and strengthens us. Njegoš's work, ideas and legacy guide us even today, encouraging us to appreciate the values of knowledge, autonomy and cultural identity, to value ourselves, to be proud, to be enough", said Vujović.
She stated that the Ministry of Culture and Media strives to promote creativity through work and strategies, to support inspiration and creation, to help every creator in our country express themselves.
"We try not to forget the greats of art and culture, and their achievements that shape and inspire us over the years. Of course, we do not forget the wealth of cultural heritage, which has shaped and enriched us with diversity and appreciation. But, most of all, we try to maintain the thought about ourselves, about duration, about autochthonousness, about uniqueness and pride, about the golden freedom that we win every day, from Njegoš's days, until today, and that is a vow and that is a pledge," she said. is Vujović.
She ordered that we celebrate the immortality of Njegoš with every commemoration, academy, analysis, reading.
"With each new creation in culture, we make Montenegro more established on its path of eternity. It is important that we are aware of our task and that every day we add a stone of wisdom to this karst of ours and a grain of salt to our sea. With Njegoš, like a bright wreath and with the homeland in the heart - May Montenegro celebrate! Happy holiday", said Vujović.
As it was announced, at the ceremony in the Montenegrin National Theater, verses were spoken by: Jelica Bulatović, Kristina Obradović, Ivan Bezmarević, Pavle Prelević, with the participation of the Choir of the Music Academy from Cetinje, the String Ensemble of the Montenegrin Symphony Orchestra under the leadership of conductor Iva Marcano, and Sara Kirković in front of the ballet troupe Ballo choreographed by Tamara Vujošević Mandić.
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