Ban Van Tinh - Keeping the flame of national heritage alive in the digital age

After a challenging beginning, Ban Van Tinh, a young Dao Tuyen from Ha Giang, is increasingly asserting his role in distilling and spreading the essence of ethnic culture through his films, while also creating positive impacts on the community.

Tình's audience initially consisted mainly of Dao people and locals. However, through likes and shares, his videos reached more people in the province, and then spread to audiences in the South and Central regions. Many viewers from urban areas expressed their delight at seeing unique cultural identities that they rarely have the opportunity to experience.

Through videos shared on his social media platforms, Ban Van Tinh has connected many charitable trips to ethnic minority areas in his locality and neighboring provinces, raising billions of VND. Thanks to this, Ban Van Tinh has been honored with numerous Certificates of Commendation from the provincial authorities of Ha Giang and Lao Cai , as well as many thank-you letters from the People's Committees of the communes and districts where Tinh connected charitable groups.

Despite the challenges of creating content in the highlands, Ban Van Tinh has achieved considerable success. Both of his YouTube channels have been monetized, generating significant revenue. Besides filming, he continues to study classical Chinese, works as a shaman, and farms to earn extra money to cover living expenses and invest in more filming equipment.

Shaman Ban Van Tinh (far right) rejoices after successfully performing his first ever ritual.

Looking ahead to the next 3-5 years, Tinh plans to further develop his channel, especially in terms of language, intending to add English subtitles to introduce the cultural identity of his ethnic group to international friends. He also continuously learns to bring more interesting and meaningful videos about the culture of the Dao and other ethnic groups in Ha Giang . A great joy for Tinh is that in 2024, he guided and helped two young people, a Tay girl born in 2012 and a Dao girl born in 2003, to build their channels and create videos on social media platforms. He was also inspired by the Secretary of the Quang Binh District Youth Union to participate in social welfare activities and volunteer for the community.

Ban Van Tinh actively participates in community activities.

With emotion, Ban Van Tinh shared: “Artist Ly Minh Cuong (of the Mong ethnic group) and reporter Cao Tuan Ninh (from the Ethnic and Development Newspaper) are the people who have inspired me, always accompanied me, offered suggestions, and guided me to gain new perspectives and improve my existing skills to create unique products on social media platforms.”

Mr. Ban Van Tinh (far right) connects benefactors to help a Hmong couple, both mute and in extremely difficult circumstances.

Addressing the younger generation of ethnic minorities, Ban Van Tinh sincerely shared: "Friends, I also come from a very difficult background and live in a remote area. Therefore, through my research and studies, I've learned that only through education and knowledge can I help myself and my family, contribute to society, and especially to my homeland. Always keep learning, keep studying, and be a shining example for young people to follow." He also urged young people not to forget to learn and preserve the cultural heritage left by their ancestors, because "As long as the culture remains, the ethnic group remains."

Mr. Ban Van Tinh and his family currently live in Quang Binh district, Ha Giang province.

The most valuable things Ban Van Tinh received on this journey were personal development, the opportunity to preserve precious footage for future generations, and a portion of his income to continue pursuing his passion. Amidst the remote villages, the image of President Ho Chi Minh and his saying, "Small people do small things, according to their abilities, they can move mountains and fill seas; with determination, they will succeed," along with the melodies of the "Youth Union Song," always remain in the mind of this young Youth Union member.

With his determination and burning love for culture, Ban Van Tinh is writing an inspiring story about a son of the mountains and forests of Ha Giang, a keeper of the flame for national heritage in the digital age.

Source: https://baodantoc.vn/ban-van-tinh-giu-lua-di-san-dan-toc-trong-thoi-dai-so-bai-2-1749096892344.htm