"Matica Hrvatska is part of the history of the Croatian people and Croatian culture, notably in its most important period, from the awakening of the national consciousness and the national revival to the creation of the independent ans sovereign Croatian state," Plenkovic said, adding that Matica's goal had been the publication of books in the Croatian language necessary for the promotion of revivalist ideas and literary texts.
Plenkovic recalled that the Declaration on the name and position of the Croatian standard language was signed at Matica in 1967 and that in 1971 Matica renounced the Novi Sad language agreement, which resulted in convictions against the signatories to the Declaration and the banning of Matica's work in 1972.
Such eradication of the work of Croatia's cultural institution only strengthened the unity of the Croatian people and the desire for independence, Plenkovic said, adding that the government recognised the importance of Matica's work today, setting aside HRK 5 million for it every year.
He said Matica had shared the fate of the Croatian people in both good and tragic times, nurturing the cultural and national identity.
Text: Hina