PM Modi Expresses Gratitude to Croatian PM for Gift of Historic Sanskrit Grammar Book

New Delhi, June 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended his sincere appreciation to Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković for presenting him with a reprint of the first-ever Sanskrit grammar book written in Latin, originally published in 1790. The book was authored by Croatian scientist and missionary Filip Vezdin (1748–1806), also known as Paulinus of St. Bartholomew, who acquired his knowledge of Sanskrit during his time in India, particularly from Kerala Brahmins and ancient manuscripts.

In a post on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi stated:

“Thank you, Prime Minister Plenković. 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 Indian Prime Minister’s remarks were in response to a post by Prime Minister Plenković, who shared details of the gift, emphasizing its cultural and historical significance. He noted:

“I presented to the Indian Prime Minister @PMOIndia @narendramodi a reprint of Vezdin’s Sanskrit Grammar – the first printed Sanskrit grammar, written in Latin in 1790 by Croatian scientist and missionary Filip Vezdin, based on the knowledge he gained while living in India.”

Prime Minister Plenković further added that Vezdin’s pioneering work marked one of the earliest and most serious European engagements with Indian languages and culture, serving as a testament to the longstanding cultural connection between the two nations.

As part of the official gift exchange, the Croatian leader also presented Prime Minister Modi with a book titled “Croatia & India: Bilateral Navigator for Diplomats and Business”, authored by Croatian diplomat Dr. Siniša Grgić. The publication offers a comprehensive comparative overview of India-Croatia relations, including diplomatic, economic, and cultural dimensions.

“This book reflects our achievements, as well as the potential we can still realize, and we believe that it will inspire and encourage the strengthening of our future cooperation and contribute to the further deepening of the mutual friendship between Croatia and India,” the Croatian Prime Minister remarked.

Notably, during his visit to Zagreb, Prime Minister Modi was welcomed with the chanting of Sanskrit mantras by a group of Croatian citizens dressed in traditional Indian attire, adorned with sandalwood tilaks—a gesture that further underscored the cultural affinity and mutual respect shared between the two nations.