Why Did PM Modi Thank Croatian Counterpart for Vezdin's Sanskrit Grammar?

New Delhi, June 19 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his gratitude to Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic on Thursday for gifting him a reprint of the inaugural printed Sanskrit grammar, originally authored in Latin in 1790 by the Croatian scientist and missionary Filip Vezdin.

This meaningful exchange, steeped in centuries of cultural and intellectual connections between India and Croatia, was a highlight of PM Modi’s historic visit to Croatia, the first by any Indian Prime Minister.

After concluding his trip early Thursday, PM Modi referred to the gift as a “remarkable symbol” of the lasting Indo-Croatian relationship.

In a post on X, he stated, “Thank you, Prime Minister Plenkovic. 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 reprint of Vezdin's work, exchanged formally, carries significant historical importance.

Known as Ivan Filip Vezdin, he was a trailblazing Indologist who arrived in Malabar as a missionary in 1774 and later took on the role of Vicar-General on the Malabar Coast.

Drawing knowledge from Kerala Brahmins and local manuscripts, he produced the Latin text Sanskritum Linguae Instituti, the first-ever printed Sanskrit grammar.

In a social media update on Wednesday, Plenkovic mentioned, “To the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, I handed over a reprint of Vezdin's Sanskrit grammar -- the first printed Sanskrit grammar, written in Latin in 1790... a symbol of early cultural ties between Croatia and India.”

He highlighted that Vezdin was among the initial European scholars to engage deeply with Indian languages and culture.

The Croatian Prime Minister also presented PM Modi with a book titled 'Croatia and India, Bilateral Navigator for Diplomats and Business', authored by Croatian diplomat Sinisa Grgica.

This book provides a comparative analysis of both nations and a pathway for future collaboration.

“This book reflects our accomplishments and the potential we can still realize, and we believe that it will inspire and encourage the strengthening of our future cooperation,” Plenkovic remarked.

Upon arriving in Croatia on Wednesday, PM Modi received a ceremonial welcome at Franjo Tudman Airport.

He was enthusiastically welcomed by members of the Indian community and Croatian citizens chanting “Modi-Modi”, “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”, and “Vande Mataram”.

At the hotel, he was met with traditional performances, Vedic shlokas, and heartfelt warmth from the crowd.

“The bonds of culture are strong and vibrant! Happy to see Indian culture has so much respect in Croatia,” PM Modi expressed, adding, “Croatia's Indian community has contributed to Croatia's progress and also remained in touch with their roots in India.”

He later enjoyed a ceremonial welcome at the historic St. Mark's Square, followed by delegation-level discussions between both nations.

Plenkovic emphasized the strategic significance of PM Modi's visit, stating, “We welcomed the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Zagreb! This is the first visit by the Prime Minister of India -- the most populous country in the world -- and it comes at an important geopolitical moment. We are starting a new chapter in Croatia-India relations and creating the conditions for strengthening bilateral cooperation in numerous sectors.”