Preserving the 'soul' of the nation as Uncle Ho taught.

QTO - Over the years, the Party Committee and people of Ta Rut commune have concretized the study and emulation of Ho Chi Minh's ideology, ethics, and style through many practical methods in preserving and promoting the national cultural identity. Preserving traditional values ​​is not only a responsibility but also a driving force to strengthen solidarity, stabilize spiritual life, and promote sustainable socio-economic development in the locality.

New vitality from unity

Following the merger of three communes – Ta Rut, A Vao, and Huc Nghi – the new Ta Rut commune has become a large area with a unique cultural blend between the Pa Ko and Bru-Van Kieu ethnic groups. Currently, over 90% of the commune's population are ethnic minorities, creating a diverse and rich cultural space.

In implementing Directive No. 05-CT/TW of the Politburo on promoting the study and emulation of Ho Chi Minh's thought, morality, and style, the Party Committee of Ta Rut commune has linked this content with the "All people unite to build a cultured life" movement. As a result, cultural preservation has become increasingly integrated into daily life, spreading strongly to every household and village. Major traditional festivals such as A Rieu Piing (the exhumation ceremony), A Za (the new rice harvest festival), and the "going sim" custom of ethnic minorities are still maintained, becoming a connecting thread within the community.

In particular, in 2023, the A Riêu Piing festival of the Pa Kô people was recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. This is a source of pride and also a motivation for the officials and people of Ta Rut commune to be more determined in preserving the "soul" of their ethnic group.

The Pa Kô people in Tà Rụt commune practice traditional culture and arts - Photo: KS

According to Ho Van Phong, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Ta Rut commune: “The commune always adheres to the Party's resolutions on developing advanced Vietnamese culture with a strong national identity. We consider cultural preservation, linked with studying and following President Ho Chi Minh's example, as a key task in building a strong political system from the grassroots level. In recent times, using resources from national target programs, the local government has proactively allocated funds, locations, and coordinated the organization of classes to teach folk songs, folk dances, and traditional weaving to the younger generation.”

The solidarity between the Bru-Van Kieu and Pa Ko ethnic groups in the locality is not only demonstrated through solidarity festivals but also through sharing production experiences, gradually eliminating outdated customs, and building a civilized way of life.

The dedication of those who "keep the flame alive"

Spreading the movement of learning from and following President Ho Chi Minh's example, the local artisans play a crucial role in preserving traditional culture. The entire commune has 8 outstanding artisans from various periods, and currently 4 of them are still alive, continuing to play a core and exemplary role in preserving and promoting the traditional values ​​of their homeland. Outstanding artisan Mai Hoa Sen in Apul-Ka Hep village is a prime example. Despite his advanced age, he still diligently preserves and teaches the playing of the khene and ta lu instruments within the community.

As a versatile artisan, Mr. Sen is not only skilled in crafting and using traditional musical instruments but also possesses a deep understanding of Pa Kô folk songs. He shared: “Learning from Uncle Ho means learning from his dedication and patriotism. For me, patriotism means preserving the language, songs, and musical instruments of our ancestors. As long as I have the strength, I will continue to teach, hoping that the younger generation will not forget their roots.” Undeterred by difficulties, Mr. Sen actively participates in the village's cultural activities, teaching the younger generation how to tune the bamboo flute and learn Pa Kô folk songs.

Distinguished artisan Mai Hoa Sen introduces traditional musical instruments of her hometown - Photo: KS

Following in the footsteps of previous generations, Mr. Ho Xuan Nien from A Lieng village is one of the young people actively involved in preserving ethnic culture. Clearly aware of his responsibility as a youth towards his homeland's heritage, he has proactively learned from elderly artisans to master the techniques of performing traditional musical instruments and folk songs. Currently, he is a core member of the folk song and dance club in the commune, and also participates in the Literature and Arts Association of Ethnic Minorities in Quang Tri province.

Mr. Ho Xuan Nien shared: “Understanding and practicing traditional culture helps the younger generation raise their sense of responsibility towards their homeland. Nowadays, young people in Ta Rut not only participate in festivals for fun but also to learn and preserve the values ​​of their ethnic culture.”

Focusing on distinctive tourism products.

Cultural preservation efforts in Ta Rut are not limited to grassroots activities but are being oriented by the local authorities to integrate with economic development and improve people's incomes. According to the local development plan for the coming period, the rational exploitation of traditional cultural values ​​will be one of the important directions.

Currently, Ta Rut commune is gradually restoring and developing traditional crafts such as brocade weaving and rattan and bamboo weaving, linking them with community tourism models. Some traditional products such as musical instruments (ta lu lute, khen be flute...), and household items (baskets, woven items...) of the Pa Ko and Van Kieu people are being encouraged to be preserved and introduced to tourists. Village performing arts groups not only serve local cultural activities but are also ready to perform for visitors.

Young people in Ta Rut commune proactively meet with elderly artisans to collect and record ethnic customs and traditions - Photo: KS

“The commune’s future orientation is to continue implementing the cultural development plans that have been set out. We will focus on reviewing and supporting artisans in passing on their skills, while mobilizing resources to invest in grassroots cultural institutions. The goal is to make Pa Kô and Vân Kiều cultures a distinctive feature associated with community tourism development, contributing to improving people’s lives and promoting sustainable poverty reduction,” added Mr. Hồ Văn Phong, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Tà Rụt commune.

With the decisive involvement of the entire political system and the unanimous support of the people, traditional culture in Ta Rut is gradually being preserved and promoted in modern life. Folk melodies and the sounds of traditional musical instruments still resonate in the vast forests, expressing the love for their homeland, their awareness of preserving their identity, and their belief in sustainable development as taught by beloved President Ho Chi Minh.

Ko Kan Suong

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/van-hoa/202605/gin-giu-hon-cot-dan-toc-theo-loi-bac-day-cf35685/