Thirty-five years, one heart, one love.

Distinguished educator Tran Ngoc Thao comes from a family with a three-generation tradition of Confucianism, serving as both a teacher and practicing traditional medicine. Perhaps it is because of this that, regardless of the circumstances, the legacy of his ancestors gradually permeated and nurtured Tran Ngoc Thao – an exemplary educator and a respected teacher to countless generations of students.

Back in 1937, due to extremely difficult economic circumstances, his parents had to leave their hometown of Gia Vien, Ninh Binh – a land plagued by floods year-round and prone to drought during the dry season – to work as miners in the French colonial New World. Therefore, his entire childhood was spent abroad. In 1950, as a member of the French Communist Party, his father openly supported the resistance against imperialism, leading to his family's deportation to Hai Phong. This turning point brought him back to his homeland, beginning his years of study and commitment there.

Distinguished teacher Tran Ngoc Thao welcomes her friend – the late General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong – at the class reunion.

After completing his high school education, he passed the entrance exam to the Faculty of Literature at Hanoi University. These wonderful years also led to a connection with his classmate – General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong (1944 – 2024). For many years afterward, he and his friends from the 8th graduating class of Literature at Hanoi University fondly remembered their friend with immense pride and happiness.

After graduating from Hanoi University, he was fortunate enough to spend years studying at Hanoi University of Culture.

After completing his university studies, he returned to work at the Hai Phong Department of Culture and Information, overseeing the development of cultural movements and the establishment of grassroots libraries in agencies, enterprises, schools, and agricultural cooperatives; then, for a period, he was seconded to work in Cuu Long province (now Vinh Long)...

But perhaps what truly defines him as an outstanding and respected teacher, inspiring countless generations of students and fostering creativity and passion, is the 35 years he dedicated to the Hai Phong School of Culture and Arts. He began working at the school in 1979 and was elected Principal in 1990. With his innovative thinking, he led the school to consistently be a leading institution in training among local cultural and arts schools nationwide.

Hai Phong's cultural and artistic training center has contributed to ensuring that 100% of commune and ward cultural officials have intermediate or university-level qualifications in cultural expertise, meeting the requirements for building culture at the grassroots level. It has also completed training for 100% of secondary schools in the province, providing them with sufficient music and art teachers and professional staff to work in school libraries…

In particular, with the motto "Learn to be a good person before learning a trade," Teacher Thao has taught his students with boundless compassion, tolerance, love, and meticulous guidance. In return for his care and instruction, the students diligently practiced and many have grown up in this training center, bringing great honor to their families, the school, and society, especially the Hai Phong School of Arts.

Distinguished teacher Tran Ngoc Thao receives the 40-year Party membership badge.

After all these years, his greatest reward and happiness is the love and respect of his students, the affectionate way they call him "Dad" whenever they meet him again. His students' success is a source of pride for him as a teacher. Many of his students have now become distinguished artists and People's Artists; many others are key officials in various organizations, actively contributing to the cultural and artistic development of Hai Phong and the country.

For thirty-five years, he dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the cause of education and the development of culture and arts in Hai Phong. In 1992, he was honored by the State with the title of Outstanding Teacher; in 2000, he was awarded the Third-Class Labor Medal;… during his career, he also received numerous certificates of merit and commendations from various levels and sectors, as well as commemorative medals. He himself also received five Creative Labor awards from the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor.

Even after retirement, this educator, active in the field of culture and arts, continued to participate in local community work while also teaching as a visiting lecturer at cultural and arts schools in provinces and cities throughout Vietnam. His love and inspiration seemed boundless, enduring, and ever-present in life and in people.

Distinguished teacher and former principal Tran Ngoc Thao was honored to receive the Third-Class Labor Medal and the 40-Year Party Membership Badge.

Sharing about his comrade, Mr. Pham Van Thai, Secretary of the An Lac residential area Party Branch (So Dau ward, Hong Bang district, Hai Phong), said: Comrade Tran Ngoc Thao has 43 years of Party membership and is currently a member of the An Lac residential area Party Branch. He is always exemplary in fulfilling assigned tasks and actively participates in activities to build a cultural life in the residential area. As a retired teacher, Comrade Tran Ngoc Thao has good relations with the community and is loved and trusted by the people.

Today, even though he has surpassed the age of "ancient wisdom," that teacher still remembers his teachers with boundless respect: "Throughout my school life, from high school to university, I have been taught by highly virtuous and respected teachers – exemplary teachers who serve as role models for generations of students to follow."

Distinguished Teacher Tran Ngoc Thao, despite his advanced age, remains wholeheartedly passionate about education. With burning dedication, he tirelessly inspires, imparts knowledge, and ignites dreams in countless generations of students. His extraordinary resilience transcends time, a testament to his unwavering commitment. Even at his advanced age, he enthusiastically imparts his knowledge and wholeheartedly guides the younger generation, leaving a profound mark on everyone. He is truly worthy of respect and admiration.

Source: https://dangcongsan.vn/thi-dua-yeu-nuoc/ba-muoi-lam-nam-mot-tam-long-mot-tinh-yeu-681675.html