ZAGREB ZAGREB, Oct 27 (Hina) - The Croatian Cultural Society "Napredak (Progress)", on Saturday evening held a ceremony in Zagreb to mark the 100th anniversary of the work of this society and the 10th anniversary of the resumption of
the work of its chief branch in Zagreb.
ZAGREB, Oct 27 (Hina) - The Croatian Cultural Society "Napredak
(Progress)", on Saturday evening held a ceremony in Zagreb to mark
the 100th anniversary of the work of this society and the 10th
anniversary of the resumption of the work of its chief branch in
Zagreb. #L#
This society was established in Sarajevo in 1902, as a fund for the
support of students. Until the Second World War, "Napredak" was
developed into the most important cultural society of Croats in
Bosnia-Herzegovina, with various activities such as the publishing
of books and magazines, the granting of scholarships to pupils and
undergraduates, a network of dormitories and the savings bank.
In 1949, the then Yugoslav authorities banned its activities and
nationalised the society's property in Bosnia and Croatia. In 1990,
the society resumed its activities in Sarajevo, and later developed
its work despite the war.
At the moment "Napredak" has 66 branch offices in Bosnia, Croatia
and throughout the world. Since the renewal of its activities in
1990, "Napredak" has granted 1,800 scholarships and organised
almost 3,000 various cultural events.
At last night's ceremony in Zagreb, the society's president, Franjo
Topic, thanked all who materially and financially supported the
work of "Napredak".
The Zagreb's branch head, Berislav Topic, announced the society's
plans to build a student dormitory and old people's home in Zagreb.
The society's leaders called on local authorities to give back its
property which the former Yugoslav authorities expropriated after
WW II.
During his speech at the ceremony in Zagreb, Franjo Topic, said man
was and is the measure and criterion for the activities of
"Napredak".
He added that the society proved its positive orientation with
promoting and cherishing the Croatian culture and never creating
its enemies.
Commenting on the society's stand on the national issue, Franjo
Topic, said "Napredak" regarded both abstract cosmopolitanism and
crude nationalism as the wrong approach.
Asked about the survival of Croats in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Topic
said he "must answer in the same way as in 1994 when he said in Zagreb
'we haven't got a chance but we shall survive'".
(hina) ms