Commemoration of the Day of the Republic of Srpska and Saint Sava

A reception marking the Day of the Republic of Srpska and Saint Sava, held on 27 January 2026 at the Student Cultural Centre of the University of Banja Luka, highlighted the importance of Saint Sava’s legacy in preserving the spiritual, cultural and educational identity of the Serbian people.

The rector of the University of Banja Luka, prof. Radoslav Gajanin, PhD, said that morality and unity are the foundations of social progress and stability, and that the work of Saint Sava remains a lasting landmark for education, science and the upbringing of future generations.

In his speech at the reception, Rector Gajanin underlined that Saint Sava was not only the spiritual founder of the Serbian people, but also a visionary in the fields of education, legislation and the overall organisation of society.

“Saint Sava taught us that without knowledge there is no progress, without morality there are no lasting values, and without unity there can be no strong and stable community. The true strength of a nation rests on educated, responsible and moral people”, said Rector Gajanin.

He stressed that educational and scientific institutions bear a special responsibility and should not be merely places for acquiring formal qualifications, but environments which foster knowledge, but also ethical values, social responsibility, solidarity and mutual respect.

According to him, education is a social obligation, as the educational process shapes individuals who are ready to take active roles in public life and, through their knowledge and work, contribute to the common good.

Rector Gajanin recalled that the Republic of Srpska was created as an expression of the unity, freedom and perseverance of the Serbian people, and that its strength today is based on knowledge, work and responsibility.

He addressed a special message to students, noting that they represent the future and the greatest potential of the Republic of Srpska, and encouraging them to remain committed, responsible and confident in the power of knowledge.

“Our task is to create conditions in which young people can develop their potential and, through their knowledge, build the future of the Republic of Srpska,” said Rector Gajanin.

He added that the commemoration of the Day of the Republic of Srpska and Saint Sava is an opportunity to recall the spiritual roots and values that unite us, but also an incentive to continue building a society founded on knowledge, morality and unity.

“The Government of the Republic of Srpska has decided to increase the budget for student scholarships at all three study cycles by more than one million KM from the next academic year,” said Jelena Starčević, assistant minister for higher education.

“The budget has been increased from 2,130,000 KM to 3,195,000 KM. This means that each of the 1,065 students will receive 300 KM, which is 100 KM more than before. We hope this will make studying easier,” Starčević said, recalling that tuition and accommodation are free in the Republic of Srpska and that scholarships awarded through the Dr Milan Jelić Fund have also been increased.

“Until now, the total fund amounted to 750,000 KM, and from the next academic year it will amount to 1,125,000 KM. For students in the Republic of Srpska, the amount will increase from 400 KM to 600 KM. For the region, it will rise from 500 KM to 700 KM. For students studying abroad, the amount will increase from 800 KM to 900 KM,” she specified.

At this event, which brought together members of the academic community and was organised by the University of Banja Luka and the Ministry for Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education of the Republic of Srpska, a lecture entitled “Saint Sava and Ascetic Thought in the East” was delivered by assistant professor Danijel Dojčinović, PhD, from the Faculty of Philology.

Photo: D. Desnica