"Tesla belongs to a category of true scientists, discoverers of new truths. Apart from a brilliant and creative mind, he was distinguished by many other human virtues such as diligence, modesty, self-abnegation, humanity and respect for general ethical and moral values. He did not care for material things or bother about fame. He believed that scientific and technological progress would bring people closer together and remove the causes of war. That's why today his life and ideas serve as a model and lasting encouragement to the whole world and can be a driver of development," Kusic said.
The HAZU is in particular, proud of Tesla because it was among the first to recognise his value and merits by admitting him as a member in 1896.
The minutes of the HAZU Assembly meeting of December 17, 1896 show that Nikola Tesla, "an electrical engineer in America", was accepted as a member by 14 votes in favour and one against in a secret ballot. He was 40 then and one of the youngest Academy members ever. He was a member for 46 years until his death on January 7, 1943.
The HAZU is also proud that two of its prominent members made the best known monuments to Tesla - the one in Zagreb was made by Ivan Mestrovic and the other at Niagara Falls by Frano Krsinic, according to the statement.
"Nikola Tesla expressed his patriotism in action rather than in word. During his last visit to the homeland in 1892 he expressed his readiness to help Zagreb and Croatia 'with advice and deed' in applying electricity. That's why even today he can serve as an example of how one can contribute to one's country and society by performing everyday work and other duties," Kusic said.