In this exclusive interview, Vladimir Božović, the newly appointed Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in New York, shares insights into his diplomatic journey, the intersection of spirituality and professional life, and the profound impact of his encounters with Mohanji. From navigating complex diplomatic landscapes to finding balance through spiritual grounding, Božović offers a unique perspective on bridging worlds and fostering unity in an ever-evolving global landscape.
The Awakening Times (TAT): Dear Mr. Božović, please briefly describe your new role in New York and share your feelings about this career advancement.
Vladimir Božović: Thank you very much for your interest, dedicated time, and attention. In November of last year, I assumed the position of Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in New York, a city widely regarded as the center of the world by many standards. This role carries significant responsibility, particularly at a time when Serbia is striving to strengthen diplomatic ties and become a key partner of the United States, both regionally and globally. Central to this endeavor are the principles of unity and the combined resources of all of us. This undertaking sends the best message to the generations that follow and learn from us. Coming into the position of Consul General in New York comes after four years of investing emotions, expertise, time, and a sincere, enduring desire for Serbia and Montenegro to be truly friendly states, whose relationship serves as an example to all others on how two countries and societies, after the dissolution of a former common state, can continue to coexist peacefully with the highest degree of mutual support and cooperation.
How successful I have been in this endeavor – history will judge, and it’s well known that it hasn’t been easy for me. Now, I turn to a new focus, which wouldn’t have been entrusted to me if I hadn’t proven myself loyal to my country and my people in my previous position as ambassador to Montenegro. I am grateful to the President of the Republic of Serbia and the Serbian government for their support and trust.
Since I arrived in New York, I have encountered nothing but support, both from dozens of fellow consuls of other countries whom I have visited and from members of our fraternal peoples who represent us in New York in the brightest possible way. My mission, in addition to contributing to further rapprochement between the Republic of Serbia and the USA, is to help numerous representatives of our great diaspora to get to know each other, support each other, and bring forward new initiatives that will permanently present us to Americans and the world in a way that our history, culture, upbringing, education, tradition, and abilities deserve. People first. Everywhere in the world, the individual is the most important. And each person carries their gifts that are needed in this world we live in just as they are.
TAT: How did you first meet Mohanji, and how did that encounter affect your life? Is there an interesting story about the beginning of your relationship?
Vladimir Božović: The encounter happened several years ago, and it was one of those life-changing moments, in every sense. A personality like his leaves an impression on everyone, as many who have met him will confirm. Unassuming yet powerful in noble intentions that, when achieved, bring him the greatest joy above all else. The fascinating nature of philanthropy! I believe that nothing in life happens by chance and that every encounter serves to teach us something about ourselves and others, to change for the better as individuals, and to change the behavior patterns that hinder us in that change. It’s best to leave the bad in the darkness of the past. Every person enters our life for a reason; that’s the completeness of every encounter. So, Mohanji and I met because it was the will of God. I highly respect the privacy of every individual, and while I could reveal details of our first conversation, I’ll simply say that I have attended several events he organized, and at each one, I discovered something new, learned new and important lessons, and realized that he is someone who understands the human soul and the world within us better than most of us. That’s why I would like as many people as possible to meet him.
TAT: What have you learned from Mohanji or gained in a professional sense? Did he support or guide you in making any important decisions?
Vladimir Božović: Mohanji is a great humanitarian who understands the laws that govern us and the world around us, which have been present since the beginning of life on this planet and are far more important and superior to all the material laws created by human civilization. I am a man who believes in God, an Orthodox Christian, and anyone who knows even a little about Mohanji knows that whatever God you believe in and whatever faith you respect, it’s not an obstacle to learning about faith above all faiths – one embodied in humanity, love for one’s neighbor and the unknown, for nature, its energies, and all the resources that our planet Earth provides. When it comes to Mohanji’s support, I’ll tell you that at a very important professional moment for the further development of my career in diplomacy, when I was at a crossroads and about to accept the position of Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Montenegro, Mohanji said a few words about what awaited me at a time when no one could have known. Shortly thereafter, everything happened just as he said it would, and from this perspective, I can only thank him for his selfless support and encouragement, which meant a lot to me at that time. I believe that only great human beings can do this, those who recognize energies that most people fail to notice due to the speed and weight of everyday life.
TAT: Have you noticed any changes in your personal spiritual development since you began following Mohanji’s advice or teachings? Can you share a specific experience or moment when you felt deep support from Mohanji?
Vladimir Božović: True change comes from within, starting from ourselves. The mind is of immeasurable strength. And feelings of love and respect sustain this world. Even if they’re not visible, feelings are the strongest and most important. I recognized this confirmation of my life philosophy immediately with Mohanji. First and foremost, I learned that a person has the most sincere conversations with their soul when they are alone. That’s when the next level of self-discovery begins – through listening to our thoughts. Through that, we also learn to listen better to others, which is especially important. Then come the words, to which we begin to pay more attention. And words are feelings. Words we address to others, but also to ourselves. Only after that do the energies we emit toward the world around us change – they become purer, more sincere, and nobler. It’s a process. Lifelong. No good change happens overnight; it’s the result of long-term self-work. It requires consistency at its best. Whenever I find myself in a situation that requires a higher level of consciousness, reason, reflection, and sensitivity in action, I recall my conversations with Mohanji, which have enriched my life permanently. Moreover, of course, the cornerstone of my soul and personality is the eternal faith in God. The synergy of these sources has opened the doors to a new world for me, where the human soul reigns, in harmony with nature and its laws, which, as I mentioned earlier, we’re not always aware of because everyday life is sometimes too demanding and fast-paced. It’s up to us to resist and not surrender, preserving what is most valuable. That is the soul-the greatest treasure of every human being. What is truly important is often not seen with the eyes but only with a pure and sincere soul.
TAT: How do you maintain a balance between your spiritual practice and the challenges of contemporary professional life in New York?
Vladimir Božović: When you love, it’s easy. It’s beautiful. The Holy Liturgy is the pinnacle celebration of our Orthodox faith and life. Groundedness. Lifelong growth. It embodies responsibility and enduring beauty in every minute. Each Liturgy is a touch from centuries behind us. A connection with ancestors who remained faithful and true in much harder times. It’s a pledge for the future and enduring in the only perfect God, eternal and ever-present everywhere. Mohanji greatly respects my and our faith. It’s mine to reciprocate. Which I do. Joyfully. And in the manner of Saint Sava.
