Lecture on Nikola Tesla at the Consulate General of Serbia in New York

03. Oct 2025.
At the Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia in New York, on September 30, 2025, a lecture on Nikola Tesla was delivered by Dr. Branimir Jovanović, a distinguished scholar, one of the world’s leading experts on Tesla’s legacy, and longtime Director of the Nikola Tesla Museum in Belgrade. He devoted his academic and research career to the study of Tesla’s life and genius, publishing numerous books, studies, and articles, among which his seminal work Wireless stands out.

Consul General Vladimir Božović, PhD, welcomed the audience, emphasizing in his address that Tesla’s inventions permanently changed the course of civilization, that he was a source of pride for the Serbian people, and that he became a citizen of the world whose ideas and values continue to unite humanity today. He underlined Tesla’s deep connection with the United States, particularly with New York and Long Island, where he spent his most productive years, and recalled that New York was the city where Tesla realized his greatest creative achievements and where he concluded his life journey at the New Yorker Hotel.

He further noted that the lecture was dedicated to one of the greatest minds in human history, stressing that Tesla is not only a name recognized through modern industry today, but a historical figure — a brilliant inventor, visionary, and scientist whose work illuminated the entire world. He reminded that Tesla gifted humanity alternating current, radio, wireless communication, X-rays, and many other inventions, with nearly 700 patents that remain of immeasurable importance even today.

Consul General Božović conveyed that this event was not only a tribute to Tesla but also a celebration of the community that, through its knowledge, work, and enthusiasm, preserves his vision and passes it on to new generations. He pointed out that it is the mission of Serbia and its diaspora to continue safeguarding and affirming Tesla’s legacy, as well as to transmit it to young generations as a symbol of creativity, knowledge, perseverance, and visionary spirit.

Following Dr. Jovanović’s inspiring lecture, attendees had the unique opportunity to engage in an interactive discussion with him about Tesla’s life, work, and creative legacy. The evening continued in a pleasant atmosphere with a reception at the Consulate.

The event was attended by many distinguished guests, including members of the family of the late Dr. Ljubo Vujović, longtime President of the Tesla Memorial Society of New York and guardian of Tesla’s legacy; Mrs. Marina Švabić, former Executive Director of the Tesla Science Foundation and now President of the ASAP Foundation; as well as Mr. Matthew Rockefeller and Mrs. Andrea Karti Barzen of the Global Passion Project.

During his stay in New York, Dr. Branimir Jovanović also gave a lecture at the “Symposium on Lighting Efficiency” held at JP Morgan’s Morgan Library, where Consul General Božović was the special guest. On that occasion, the Consul General Božović spoke with numerous attendees and highlighted the importance of linking science, culture, and diplomacy.

This event was an opportunity, in New York the city where Tesla spent most of his life, to once again emphasize the greatness and timeless value of his legacy and to underline the importance of preserving the memory of one of the greatest visionaries in human history.