Organized by the Serbian Lobbyists Association and the Vračar Municipality, on December 12th, a lecture titled “Mihajlo Idvorski Pupin – The Greatest Serbian Lobbyist” was held. The event commemorated the 170th anniversary of the birth of the great scientist and publicist, as well as the 100th anniversary of the Pulitzer Prize for Literature, awarded to him in 1924 for his autobiography From the Meadow to the Scientist.
The lecture took place in the ceremonial hall of the Vračar Municipality, where Nenad Vuković, President of the Serbian Lobbyists Association, Member of Parliament Uglješa Mrdić, President of the Serbian-American Friendship Congress Vladimir Marinković, and diplomat Vladan Škorić spoke about the significance of Pupin’s work and achievements.
Nenad Vuković: “Pupin – A Serbian Lobbyist in a Geopolitical Moment”
Addressing the attendees, Nenad Vuković emphasized Pupin’s struggle for the Serbian cause during a crucial geopolitical moment. “In that struggle, Pupin invested time, energy, his great scientific name, and even personal wealth,” said Vuković.
He particularly highlighted Pupin’s contribution to the development of analog telephony, which, thanks to his innovations, could span greater distances. Vuković also pointed out Pupin’s lobbying skills, combining the authority of an American citizen, professor, and patriot, with knowledge of the Balkans as his homeland. He also reminded the audience of the book 1912–1920, which contains Pupin’s texts published in the American press. “These texts testify to his struggle with the powerful Austro-German lobby, the distrust of Americans, and the challenges within the Serbian community,” Vuković said.
Uglješa Mrdić: “Diplomacy Stronger Than Weapons”
Member of Parliament Uglješa Mrdić reflected on Pupin’s diplomatic success in protecting Serbian interests. “Pupin made sure that what we gained in the war, we would keep in peace. His friendship with President Woodrow Wilson enabled the expansion of borders and the return of territories where Serbs were the majority,” Mrdić said. He also highlighted Pupin’s role in helping his Croatian and Slovenian brothers at the time, protecting their territories from annexation by Italy and Austria.
Vladimir Marinković: “Personal Connections as the Key to Success”
The President of the Serbian-American Association, Vladimir Marinković, emphasized the importance of personal contacts in politics, especially in large countries like the United States. “Whether it’s Congress, the White House, or think-tank organizations, personal contacts are essential for successful communication and positioning of countries,” Marinković said.
Summarizing, Marinković stressed the need for greater activity from the Serbian community in the U.S., urging all individuals and organizations with connections to America to use them to strengthen bilateral relations. “Unity and coordination are crucial to success,” Marinković concluded.
The screenshot/Part of the artwork by Uroš Predić.
Vladan Škorić: “Pupin – Visionary and Tireless Patriot”
The esteemed diplomat Vladan Škorić spoke about Pupin from the perspective of his expertise. Part of the story of Pupin involves his American journey, the realization of the American dream, as it is perceived in America. “As a child from a village, he reached the top of the world; America, the promised land, offers opportunities,” Škorić said. Then, as Škorić described, part of Pupin’s life also includes his national engagement. “These are the beginnings of his diplomatic activities. A decisive moment was 1908, when the annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina sparked his desire to engage fully in promoting Serbian interests in America and the South Slavic peoples living there.”
Škorić also highlighted Pupin’s engagement during World War I. “When the crossing through Albania was happening, he was told about the gravity of the situation, and he immediately went to American shipowners. They asked him: ‘Who will pay for this?’ Pupin replied: ‘The Kingdom of Serbia.’ When they asked: ‘And if it doesn’t pay?’ He pledged his own property.”
Škorić shared an anecdote about a conversation between Pupin and Rockefeller. “Rockefeller told him: ‘Professor, we’ve heard what you’ve done, you are a wonderful man, but you’ve pledged your entire fortune!’ Pupin responded with dignity and faith in his people.”
Škorić further explained how Pupin sold his invention to the ‘Siemens’ company, earning a significant amount of money that he used to finance aid to Serbia. “He organized everything to help his people.” When asked, “What if Serbia fails?” Pupin replied, “If Serbia fails, let me fail too!”
The next picture from Pupin’s life that Škorić depicted relates to his involvement at the Paris Peace Conference. “Nikola Pašić invited him by letter to join the Serbian delegation. Pupin humbly responded: ‘With pleasure, if I can help.'” Škorić emphasized that Pupin arrived in Paris in 1915, not knowing that the division between the great powers had already been agreed upon by the London Agreement. “Pašić didn’t tell him this, but Pupin stayed in Paris for seven weeks. During that time, he invited Jovan Cvijić to precisely define geographical terms to accurately define Serbian territorial claims.”
“Pupin was a wise and intelligent man, pro-Serbian oriented,” concluded Škorić. “Although deep down he was against the creation of the Kingdom of SHS, he did not resist and continued to work. In Paris, thanks to his collaboration with Douglas Johnson, he succeeded in presenting territorial claims that directly influenced border changes. This effort resulted in significant benefits for Serbia.”
Škorić’s presentation reminded everyone of the invaluable value of Pupin’s work and his role in the history of the Serbian people. His vision, courage, and tireless dedication remain an inspiration and a guiding light for future generations.
Another Story About Pupin: “Pupin and Colombia: Students from Columbia University in Serbia in 1915”
Despite the difficult times during World War I, in 1915, students from Columbia University responded to Mihajlo Pupin’s invitation and spent their vacation in Serbia. At that time, Serbia was at war, and the government in exile was located in Niš. The students, 25 in total, spent a month in this Serbian city, personally witnessing the difficult living conditions and the conflicts taking place.
Diplomat Vladan Škorić, who shared this story, said: “In 1915, the students spent a month in Niš and had the opportunity to see firsthand everything that was happening during the war.”
Doctor Douglas Dold, who was part of this group, wrote a book about his experiences, Adventures in the Balkans 1915, which was published in the Archives of Vojvodina. In the book, Dold expresses gratitude to Mihajlo Pupin for all he saw and learned during his stay in Niš. “Pupin played a key role in their mission and was a true support in those difficult times,” added Škorić.
During Doldo’s stay, our army withdrew from Niš as Bulgarian forces advanced. “America was neutral at the time,” Škorić explained, “but Dold, along with the local priest, stood before the Bulgarian commander and asked for humane treatment of civilians. Thanks to Pupin’s involvement, much was saved.”
Pupin’s name might not be sufficiently represented in our educational system as it deserves. Through his appearances and conversations, I advocate for more information and books about Pupin to be made available, as he earned it through his work and contributions. “Pupin is a true hero who left a deep mark in history and deserves to be taught and repeated,” concluded Škorić.
The lecture dedicated to Mihajlo Pupin shed light on his immeasurable contribution to science, diplomacy, and lobbying for Serbian interests. His example serves as a reminder of the importance of individuals in shaping history, as well as an inspiration to strengthen the Serbian lobbying network in the modern world.