Croatian PM Receives Historic Sanskrit Grammar Reprint

On 18th June 2025, in a powerful cultural gesture, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković presented Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a reprint of the first printed Sanskrit grammar, originally authored in Latin by Croatian Indologist Filip Vezdin in 1790.

Key Points

Symbolic Gift: The Sanskrit grammar by Vezdin, written in Latin in 1790, was based on teachings from Kerala Brahmins and Indian manuscripts.
Cultural Heritage: Filip Vezdin, a missionary and scholar, is recognised as one of the earliest European Indologists and served as Vicar-General on the Malabar Coast.
Commemorative Link: A plaque in Vezdin’s honour was installed in Trivandrum in 1999, underscoring his India connection.
Diplomatic Literature: PM Modi also received the book “Croatia and India: Bilateral Navigator for Diplomats and Business” by Croatian diplomat Sinisa Grgica, highlighting areas of bilateral potential.