"Not for us alone are we born; our country, our friends, have a share in us"!
These written thoughts of Plato have been leading Branka Bukovec in her life.
Already at a young age, she had inclination, tolerance, solidarity, friendship, connection in educational, cultural, social, humanitarian and great importance for intercultural dialogue with many ethnic groups throughout the Balkans. She understood the important contact of minorities with their culture. Her vision of establishing the Association for the Development of Voluntary Work (DRPD) also came true and after three decades of work it is still extremely successful in the country and abroad.
Our Association's relationship with the DRPD has been going on for twenty-three years. During these years, we hosted a series of events in Banja Luka with over 500 eminent artists: poets, artists, instrumentalists, choirs, puppeteers, etc. but of particular importance are student exchanges between schools in Novo Mesto and Banja Luka. Our special joint meetings were held on the occasion of the celebration of the old Slovenian custom of St. Martin’s Day (Martinovanje) and Slovenian Day in Slatina. Together with Branka, we built bridges, accelerated the flow of cultural and artistic creativity between Slovenians living in their homeland and Slovenians abroad.
Branka Bukovec has achieved lasting progress through innovative integration, as evidenced by numerous awards and recognitions both at the national and international level. Branka was dedicated to carry the name of Novo Mesto beyond its borders and in the most noble way. On April 6, 2023, Branka Bukovec was recognized as an honorary citizen for her life's work and a more important permanent success - she became an honorary citizen of Novo Mesto.
Among the invited guests, the presentation of this great award was attended by the president of the Association of Slovenians Triglav Mladen Lunić, Oksana Lunić and Nataša Kajmaković.
It is difficult to describe the magnificent atmosphere at the reception of recognition for four deserving citizens of Novo Mesto, and the awarding of the recognition of honorary citizen of the municipality of Novo Mesto to Branka Bukovec. For many present, especially us Slovenians who live abroad, it was an emotional moment. A full hall of visitors gave a standing ovation to the performers who brightened the evening with the selected program, as well as to the awardees, especially the honorary citizen Branka Bukovec. After the official part of the program, we listened to the AVE concert with guest Aida, who grew up with the help of Branka Bukovec in Novo Mesto during the years of the unfortunate war. The songs she sang this time are the merit of Branka and Novo Mesto citizens. Once a girl, today she is the primadonna, the soprano of the Sarajevo Opera Aida Čorbadžić.
The Association of Slovenians Triglav Banjaluka lives in the hope that our work with the DRPD, led by Branka Bukovec and the municipality of Novo Mesto, will continue for many years in the future.
GOOD LUCK!!!
Nataša Kajmaković
Translation Ana Marjanović
