Croatians honour Nikola Tesla

The Croatian community in La Paz, Bolivia, held an exhibition, lecture, film and theatrical performance to honour scientist Nikola Tesla, attended by around 200 people, CE Report quotes HINA.

"We wanted to pay a dignified tribute to Tesla, one of the greatest geniuses born in Croatia, while promoting culture, science and ties between Bolivia and Croatia," said Patricia Avila Kuljiš, president of the Croatian community.

Tesla, an inventor, engineer and futurist, was born in Smiljan in 1856 and died in New York in 1943. The exhibition, held on 21 September, was organised with the Department of Physics at Universidad Mayor de San Andres (UMSA), ensuring a high scientific standard.

Around 5,000 Croatians and their descendants live in Bolivia. The community had long planned a travelling exhibition on Tesla, who visited South America, but when this did not succeed they organised their own tribute.

The faculty foyer displayed photographs of Tesla's main inventions and patents. Professor Diego Ignacio Sanjines Castedo and other physics lecturers explained his achievements in an accessible way, highlighting their impact on modern technology, from electricity to artificial intelligence.

To illustrate Tesla's personality and engage the public, a theatrical performance starred actor Carlos Rojas as Tesla. "The turnout was excellent, fully occupying the room," said Avila Kuljiš, noting that attendees included both people of Croatian descent and the wider public.

The event concluded with the screening of the film Tesla's Secret Life, providing insights into his life and legacy. "His vision materialised in electric cars and renewable energy, and his pioneering work is evident in modern robotics," said Professor Sanjines Castedo.

Avila Kuljiš said the event "enlightened" the audience and demonstrated Bolivians' respect for and interest in Tesla.