At the central evening of the literary manifestation “Čučak Literary Encounters” in Han Pijesak, the “Čučak Book” award plaque and charter were last night received on behalf of the laureate, Igor Kalajdžija from Bijeljina, by his wife Jelena Kalajdžija, for his book Dramas.
Jelena Kalajdžija emphasized that in the evening’s description of Branko Čučak, she recognized her husband — the language they speak and the life they live.
She stated that Igor had not published a book before, although he had been writing for a long time — not because he was insecure or unready, but because he waited for the work to be exactly as he envisioned.
The book Dramas was published last year under the auspices of the City Library “Karlo Bijelinski” in Sombor, within the “Golub” edition.
The award was presented by the President of the Municipal Assembly of Han Pijesak, Slađan Simić, and the Director of the “Branko Čučak” Public Library, Ozrenka Đurić Radulović.
Simić stated that this manifestation had long surpassed local significance, gathering lovers of literature and preserving the memory of Branko Čučak, becoming an increasingly important cultural point on the map of Republika Srpska.
“May this literary event be an inspiration to new generations, an encouragement for creativity, and testimony that Han Pijesak has a heart and soul for culture, poetry, and the written word,” Simić said.
Radulović emphasized that literature and art have always been the foundation of identity, a mirror of the times, and the conscience of society.
She thanked the writers who, with their works, contribute to the cultural wealth of the community and noted that, once again, together with the employees of the institution, they remember Branko Čučak.
The Director of the Main Library in East Sarajevo, Nataša Kulašinac, stated that along with the 17th Čučak Literary Encounters, the Public Library in this town is also celebrating 102 years of existence, during which it has left a significant mark in the field of librarianship on a broader scale.
Writer Miroslav Janković noted that Čučak lived the lives of many of his own and others’ literary characters.
“He seemed like a literary figure who stepped out, emerged, from some story by Russian writers who created their unusual heroes. He was a fusion of many happy and unfortunate people,” said Janković.
Vice President of the Association of Writers of Republika Srpska, Aćim Todorović, described Čučak as someone who left a great mark on literature — a man who, through wit, writing, poetry, and columns, knew how to give weight to issues and, with humor and satire, call out those in power, the common man, and even himself, in an endearing way.
The third day of the “Čučak Literary Encounters” began with the laying of flowers at the grave of Branko Čučak at the Bogaz City Cemetery in Han Pijesak.
As part of the “Čučak’s Noon” program, the following books were presented in the library’s reading room: The Last Night of Fra Bey Ivo Andrić by Miroslav Janković, The One-Essential by Neven Milaković, and Under the War Umbrella by Risto Trifković.
At the central evening of the manifestation, poets Neven Milaković, Željka Avrić, Miroslav Radovanović, Aćim Todorović, and Ljutomir Rundić recited their verses.
Source: Glas Srpske
