Vito Grittani is a beautiful and great example story of a citizen of the world, born in Capurso and resident for many years in Abkhazia (a country not recognized by Italy). In daily life he plays the role of diplomat. “He knows how to be an excellent friend but he also knows how to exercise indifference towards those who do not show mutual respect and who do not follow good rules of education”, this is what many people think of him.
For over 35 years (he is now 60) he has seen the world sitting down. A rare disabling disease forces him to use a wheelchair. Enthusiasm, perseverance and patience characterize him and he stubbornly pursues large and small battles always with a spirit of sharing and dialogue is his best weapon from which he never shies away. Not only the word but also the gaze are his windows on the world, tools with which he knows how to establish relationships at all levels.
The two roles
He’s a diplomat. A mission that he shares with Kan Taniya with whom he maintains a close friendship. In 1993, with the creation of the ODI – International Diplomatic Observatory, he began his diplomatic activity.
Among the activities of this organization is the launch of cultural exchanges with many countries around the world. Thanks to the ODI created by Grittani, numerous ambassadors accredited to the Holy See and Quirinale have had the opportunity to visit, thanks to his intermediation.
The diplomat
As Abkhazian ambassador in recent years he has been given the task of indicating people for the activity of international electoral experts in recent consultations in the Russian Federation, from the referendums in Donbass in September 2022 in the regions of Lugansk, Donetsk, Kerson and Zaporozhye, to the political of 2023, in the presidential elections of March 2024.
These tasks led him to be “observed” by various law enforcement agencies. One of the Abkhazian artists, Adleiba immortalized him in profile in 2023 in a splendid bas-relief. Among his latest challenges is the battle against architectural barriers. A book which is a collection of press articles on his varied activities is entitled “Observing the world while sitting”. And now one of his mottos is: “Break down barriers and you will break down prejudice”. A challenge in which Vito Grittani strongly believes not only for those like him who see the world from other perspectives but because he is constantly engaged in the search for peace.
