Djuric presented the Gold Medal to Branko Mikasinovic for the promotion of the Serbian literature in English

The Ambassador of Serbia to the USA, Marko Djuric, presented today in Washington the Gold Medal for Merit to Dr. Branko Mikasinovic, with which the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, awarded him for the promotion of the Serbian literature in the English language.

Mikasinovic, who lives and works in America, edited five anthologies of great Serbian writers in English, which covered the genres of Serbian short stories, dramas, comedies, satires and aphorisms, and fantastic prose.

It was his anthologies that made Serbian literature accessible to readers in English.

Mikasinovic told for Kosovo Online that the Gold Medal meant a lot to him, because it came as recognition for his long-term work to promote and advance Serbian literature in the English-speaking world.

"Everyone should work (on the promotion of their country) as much as they can, in the domain of their knowledge and activities. My domain is literature and that is one of the best ways to open a window towards Serbia," said Dr. Mikasinovic.

He stated that the five anthologies that were published in English gave an insight into who the Serbs were, what they were, what they could offer.

"It is an extraordinary thing. It should be promoted. Film and literature are new aspects of promotion," Mikasinovic added.

He especially emphasized that, in addition to his wife and family, who wholeheartedly supported him, his work was also influenced by his friend from Belgrade, Dejan Stojanovic, who, he says, helped him finish some of those anthologies.

In 2019, Dr. Mikasinovic also received the SOC award, the Order of the Holy Despot Stefan Lazarevic.

Today he lives in a small town near Washington and is one of the leading Slavists in America.