On World Roma Day, Thursday, April 10, 2025, representatives of the Institute for Ethnic Studies (INV) attended a ceremony in Pušča.
The event began with the planting of two new lime trees in the Avenue of Coexistence, a symbolic space of respect and coexistence. The commemorative lime trees were planted by former Slovenian President Milan Kučan, in memory of his mother, who played an important role in establishing the kindergarten in Pušča, and Marjan Šiftar, president of the Dr. Šiftar Foundation, in honor of his father, Dr. Vanek Šiftar.
This was followed by the presentation of the revised edition of the book Dr. Vanek Šiftar – Slovenian Romologist in the multipurpose hall in Pušča. The revised edition was co-published by the Institute for Ethnic Studies, the Dr. Šiftar Foundation, and the Council of the Roma Community of the Republic of Slovenia. The editor of the book, Dr. Vera Klopčič, led the presentation and discussion, in which all co-publishers participated. First, Milan Kučan, the first president of the Republic of Slovenia, addressed the audience with an emotional speech in which he also remembered his mother, who played an important role in establishing the kindergarten in Pušča. Marjan Šiftar, who persistently cultivates the legacy of his father Vanek, also addressed the audience. The authors of the contributions, Jožko Horvat – Muc, president of the Association of Roma of the Republic of Slovenia, and Dr. Mitja Žagar, also gave speeches. Prof. Dr. Sonja Novak-Lukanović, director of the Institute for Ethnic Studies, highlighted in her speech the importance of researching ethnicity and the long tradition of the Institute in studying ethnic issues. The year 2025 marks a remarkable milestone – 100 years of dedicated work and research in the field of ethnic issues, which further emphasizes the sustainability and importance of the research field of the Institute for Ethnic Studies in society.
The event has thus become a symbol not only of respect for the past, but also of a commitment to continue working for a future in which science and dialogue build bridges between communities.
