HOW A MAN FROM SRBAC COMBINED KNOWLEDGE, TRADITION, AND MODERNITY

Slaviša Stojković, a history and Latin professor from Srbac and a member of the local parliament, is a rare example of someone who seamlessly blends academic knowledge, social responsibility, love for tradition, and the spirit of modern times.

PHOTO: Glas Srpske

He grows blueberries on his plantation in the village of Vlaknica, runs two hospitality venues, participates in cultural and humanitarian projects, and never shies away from the most demanding sports challenges.

After graduating from the Faculty of Philosophy, Stojković began his career as a teacher in a primary school in Srbac. However, his true professional journey took shape when he joined the Republic Center for Research of War, War Crimes, and the Search for Missing Persons, where he spent several years.

“History was always more than a school subject to me. It’s a way to understand the world. Working at the Center allowed me to explore topics deeply connected to my family and the history of our people. Our duty to those who gave their lives for the Republic of Srpska is to preserve memory and truth,” said Stojković, who himself comes from a family of fallen soldiers.

As a humanitarian, he highlights his involvement with the “Baštionik” organization, through which he has visited Serbian families in Kosovo and Metohija multiple times.

“When you go there and see how people live, you realize how much our support means. It’s not just aid—it’s maintaining a connection with the holiest places for the Serbian people and with those who protect them,” he explains.

His love for his homeland has also taken root in the countryside. In Vlaknica, he cultivates around 400 blueberry bushes, expecting between 600 and 700 kilograms of yield this year—over a ton in the years to come.

“I sell most of the produce to friends and acquaintances. Blueberry farming is therapy for the soul. The peace I feel among the rows of plants can’t be compared to anything else. It’s my escape and my healing,” he says.

The hospitality businesses he runs have become hubs of urban spirit and creative energy in Srbac. For four years, he has been organizing pub quizzes and has launched his own line of branded burgers, keeping up with gastronomic trends.

“When I opened my first place, I wanted more than just a bar. I envisioned a space where people could gather not only over drinks but around knowledge, culture, and ideas. We wanted to prove that even a pub can be a place for learning,” Stojković shares.

One of his cultural contributions includes initiating a mural of actor Uglješa Kojadinović, a native of Srbac.

“I was inspired after reading a monograph by our fellow citizen Branka Sančanin. I found an artist from Serbia and proposed painting a mural near the pub to honor the man who brought fame to our town. I’m proud that space has become known for that as well,” he says.

To the youth, Stojković sends a clear message: believe in yourselves and return to your roots—this was his main reason for entering politics.

“Everything I’ve done led naturally to the need to contribute through institutions. Young people must take part in decision-making. Many are leaving, but my goal is to show that something valuable can be built here, too. Big cities and social media don’t offer meaning. Life is here—in community, family, work, and the small things we create ourselves,” he emphasizes.

Stojković believes in physical activity as a way to maintain mental balance and is particularly proud of his participation in the Tribalion race.

“I’ve taken part three times in the 21-kilometer race with 35 obstacles, alongside friends. It’s not just about sport—it’s proof that we’re capable of more than we think. What’s especially meaningful is that it takes place around May 9th—Victory Day over Fascism and just before Republic of Srpska Army Day. It’s our small way of honoring true values,” he concludes.