A Remarkable Symbol of Cultural Heritage: PM Modi Thanks Croatian PM for Sanskrit Grammar Gift

New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovi? for presenting him with a reprint of the first-ever printed Sanskrit grammar—originally written in Latin in 1790 by Croatian scholar and missionary Filip Vezdin.

The gift served as a powerful emblem of the long-standing intellectual and cultural ties between India and Croatia, and was a key highlight of PM Modi’s historic visit to Croatia—the first by an Indian Prime Minister.

After concluding his visit early Thursday, PM Modi described the gesture as a “remarkable symbol” of enduring Indo-Croatian relations.
Posting on X, he wrote:
"Thank you, Prime Minister Plenkovi?. This is indeed a remarkable symbol of the enduring intellectual and cultural bonds between India and Croatia! May these bonds get even stronger in the times to come."

The reprinted work, formally presented during the visit, carries immense historical significance. Filip Vezdin—also known as Ivan Filip Vezdin—was a pioneering Indologist who arrived in Malabar (present-day Kerala) as a missionary in 1774. Drawing from his interactions with Kerala Brahmins and ancient manuscripts, he authored the Latin work Sanskritum Linguae Instituti, which became the first printed Sanskrit grammar.

In a social media post, Plenkovi? stated:
"To the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, I handed over a reprint of Vezdin's Sanskrit grammar—written in Latin in 1790—as a symbol of early cultural ties between Croatia and India."
He emphasized that Vezdin was one of the earliest European scholars to deeply engage with Indian languages and culture.

In addition to the grammar, Prime Minister Plenkovi? gifted PM Modi a book titled "Croatia and India: Bilateral Navigator for Diplomats and Business," authored by Croatian diplomat Sinisa Grgica. The book presents a comparative analysis of both nations and outlines opportunities for future collaboration.

"This book reflects both our achievements and our potential. We hope it will inspire deeper cooperation between our countries," Plenkovi? said.

Upon his arrival in Croatia on Wednesday, PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Franjo Tu?man Airport. Crowds of Indian-origin residents and Croatian citizens lined the streets, enthusiastically chanting “Modi-Modi”, “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”, and “Vande Mataram.”

At his hotel, Modi was welcomed with traditional music, Vedic chants, and heartfelt greetings from the Indian community.
"The bonds of culture are strong and vibrant! I’m happy to see Indian culture being held in such high regard in Croatia," PM Modi said. He added that the Indian community in Croatia has not only contributed to the country’s development but also stayed connected to their Indian roots.

Later, PM Modi was received with ceremonial honours at the iconic St. Mark’s Square, followed by bilateral talks between Indian and Croatian delegations.

Prime Minister Plenkovi? underscored the significance of the visit, stating:
"We welcomed the Indian Prime Minister to Zagreb for the first time—a historic visit by the leader of the world's most populous country. At this crucial geopolitical juncture, we are opening a new chapter in Croatia-India relations and laying the foundation for expanded cooperation across multiple sectors."

With inputs from IANS