Today, the citizens of Niš held a spectacular reception for the students, professors, and high school graduates who walked from Niš to Kragujevac to participate in the “Let’s Meet at Sretenje” protest.

In the central square, the locals formed a line to applaud and cheer as the taxis returned the students and educators to Niš, accompanied by whistles and chants of “Pump, pump.”

Many citizens expressed their joy with tears as the students waved from the taxis. Numerous students arrived at the square sporting walking sticks, slippers, and bandaged feet from their journey.

Dimitrije Dimić, a law student at Niš University and one of the 170 students who traveled the 147 kilometers from Niš to Kragujevac, shared that there were so many experiences along the way that he needed more time to reflect on them all.

“Now that I’m back in Niš, I’m on the edge of tears. It was challenging yet incredible. It’s all bittersweet now that we’ve accomplished it,” Dimić expressed.

He recounted several emotional moments from the trip that would stay with him forever, especially when a grandmother in Ćuprija handed him a walking stick.

“I was fine at that moment, but the following day I got injured and started limping, making the cane quite useful,” Dimić added.

One of the students who welcomed their peers indicated that they had started the “Third Serbian Uprising.”

“You didn’t take up arms; you raised a flag. You didn’t fight in a war; you embarked on a march. Your journey from Niš to Kragujevac symbolizes the awakening of Serbia. People saw hope in your actions, and they envisioned a future through your struggle,” the student remarked.

He emphasized that the students’ march demonstrated that justice is not merely a word, but a cause worth championing.

“Thank you for bringing Niš closer to justice. Thank you for making Serbia worthy of its founders. Welcome, defenders of the constitution,” the student declared during his speech in the central square.

In recognition of their efforts to advocate for student rights, all students, graduates, and professors were awarded symbolic gold medals today.

Following the ceremonial reception, citizens were invited to a gathering scheduled for March 1st in Niš, which will welcome students and citizens from across Serbia.

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