80 years of Vietnamese Culture: An epic of convergence and brilliance

From the resistance base to the days of renovation, 80 years of the Vietnamese Cultural sector is a journey to light up the national soul, connecting the past, present and future.

The torch lights the way of revolution

80 years ago, on August 28, 1945, in the boiling atmosphere of the Autumn Revolution, the Provisional Government established the Ministry of Information and Propaganda - the predecessor of today's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Since then, August 28 has become a historical milestone, the traditional day of the Culture sector.

Previously, the 1943 Vietnamese Cultural Outline affirmed: “Culture is a front, cultural workers are soldiers”. That thought, along with President Ho Chi Minh ’s advice “Culture must light the way for the nation”, became a guiding torch, arousing spiritual strength, and fostering the will of the entire people in the journey to gain independence and freedom.

Delegates attending the first National Cultural Conference, November 1946. Photo: Archive.

During the resistance war against colonialism and imperialism, wherever there were trenches, there were songs that drowned out the sound of bombs, there were poems, newspapers, and films that fueled patriotism. Culture became a sharp spiritual weapon, contributing to the Dien Bien Phu that shook the world, and then echoed in the great victory of Spring 1975, reunifying the country.

Culture is the foundation of nation building and innovation.

Culture, since ancient times, has always been the source that nourishes the soul of the nation, the red thread that connects the past with the present and opens the way for the future. Through the many changes of history, culture has proven its everlasting power: keeping the nation from disintegrating in the darkness of slavery, helping the people stand up after the ruins of war, and from there building an independent and free nation.

If independence is the greatest aspiration, then culture is the silent yet powerful foundation, giving the nation the internal strength to persevere and rise. From folk songs, from communal houses and pagodas, to every house and village, culture fosters a spirit of resilience, tolerance and creativity - qualities that make up the Vietnamese character.

In today’s innovation, culture has increasingly affirmed its pivotal role. It is not only a treasure trove of heritage to preserve, but also a driving force to pave the way for creativity, for integration, for Vietnam to walk steadily amidst the storms of globalization. Culture is both identity and soft power, helping the country shape its position, build trust and social consensus.

Putting culture at the center of nation building is also affirming the path of sustainable development. Because only when there is a culture rich in identity and openness, can a nation have the strength to overcome challenges and build a prosperous and civilized future. Culture, like an underground river that flows forever, will always be the foundation for every journey of innovation and nation building.

The 80th anniversary of the Cultural Sector’s Traditional Day will be held on the morning of August 23 at the Hanoi Opera House. Photo: Culture Newspaper.

Outstanding achievements in the new journey

In recent years, the Culture, Sports and Tourism sector has made new milestones. Laws and policies have been improved, opening up a wide creative space for artists and the community. The precious heritages of our ancestors are not only preserved but also shine on the world map: from Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba archipelago to the heritages recognized by UNESCO.

In every village and every neighborhood, the movement of “All people unite to build a cultural life” has permeated deeply, nurturing a healthy lifestyle and building happy homes. Libraries, museums, theaters, and screens are increasingly attached to life, bringing culture closer to each citizen.

Cinema and performing arts, with their moving works, have brought Vietnam’s image to friends around the world. Fine arts, photography, and exhibitions have opened the door to international exchange, affirming Vietnam’s creativity. The cultural industry has emerged as a creative economic sector, contributing to GDP, showing that soft power is increasingly becoming a core resource.

Internationally, the Vietnamese cultural flag flies in Cultural Weeks and Festivals in many countries, spreading the message of peace and friendship. Domestically, sports have achieved many feats, from the SEA Games, ASIAD to the ticket to the 2023 Women's World Cup, all of which demonstrate the will and aspiration to rise up. Tourism, after challenges, has strongly revived: Vietnam is continuously honored as the top destination in Asia.

These achievements are not just statistics, but the breath of life, the cultural heartbeat of the nation. It is the strength of the past combined with the energy of the present, to open the door to the future.

The National Cultural Conference to implement the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress took place in November 2021 at the Dien Hong Conference Room, National Assembly House (Hanoi) with the participation of nearly 600 delegates. Photo: To Quoc Newspaper .

Culture - endogenous strength, aspiration to reach new heights

80 years - a journey full of hardships but also extremely brilliant. From the early days with the "Cultural Outline 1943", to today, Vietnamese culture has truly converged and shone. The noble medals awarded by the Party and the State are worthy recognition for the efforts of many generations of cultural workers - soldiers on the ideological and spiritual front.

Today, with the motto: "Culture is the foundation - Information is the conduit - Sports is the strength - Tourism is the connecting bridge", the Vietnamese cultural sector continues to affirm its position, light up faith, and foster the desire for strength.

The message from the trailer celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Culture sector speaks for the hearts of millions of Vietnamese people: "As long as culture exists, the nation exists". Culture is the soul, the immortal endogenous strength, leading our nation to a prosperous, civilized and sustainable future.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/80-nam-nganh-van-hoa-viet-nam-ban-truong-ca-hoi-tu-va-toa-sang-d768763.html