Professor Dinh Xuan Lam: The teacher who passed on the passion of Vietnamese history to many generations

(Dan Tri) - The University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU Hanoi has just coordinated to organize an exhibition and discussion to celebrate the 100th birthday of Professor, People's Teacher Dinh Xuan Lam.

The program was organized by the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU in collaboration with the Vietnam Historical Science Association and the Dinh Xuan Lam History Foundation in Hanoi on February 25.

Professor Dinh Xuan Lam (1925-2017) is known as one of the four "legendary pillars" of contemporary Vietnamese history. Although he was talented and outstanding, in the eyes of his students, he was always an exemplary, close and simple teacher.

With more than half a century of teaching and researching history, Professor Dinh Xuan Lam has left a deep impression through his lectures on modern Vietnamese history. He once affirmed: "If there is an afterlife, I will still choose to be a teacher", a statement that shows his great passion and love for the profession.

Prof. Dr. Dinh Xuan Lam (Photo: Provided by the school).

Pursuing modern Vietnamese history thanks to Professor Dinh Xuan Lam

Speaking at the seminar, Professor and People's Teacher Vu Duong Ninh confided: "As one of the first students of Professor and People's Teacher Dinh Xuan Lam, I still remember clearly the first class more than 60 years ago.

That year, he was only 32 years old, young, with a clear voice, and rich and engaging lecture content. It was those lessons that gave me the idea of ​​pursuing modern Vietnamese history."

Even though he was later assigned to teach world history, Professor Vu Duong Ninh still always consulted and learned from the research works of Professor Dinh Xuan Lam.

"In the 50s and 60s of the 20th century, Professor Dinh Xuan Lam and a number of professors of the history department also built the first modern history textbook. This was the foundation for later history textbooks in Vietnam.

One of his important studies is to delve into the anti-French uprisings, the Van Than movement, and historical figures," said Professor and People's Teacher Vu Duong Ninh.

According to Professor, People's Teacher Vu Duong Ninh, Professor, People's Teacher Dinh Xuan Lam has left behind an invaluable scientific legacy, contributing to clarifying many key issues in the study of our country's history.

Professor Dinh Xuan Lam researched and delved into the uprisings for independence and reform movements, from the Can Vuong movement in the late 19th century to the Duy Tan trend in the early 20th century.

Professor Dinh Xuan Lam not only delves into each event but also thoroughly analyzes the leadership role, guiding ideology and social reform programs.

Professor, People's Teacher Vu Duong Ninh confided: "It was an extremely lucky thing for me to go abroad with my teacher and the Vietnameseeducation delegation in 1981-1982. A year with my teacher was an extremely precious time for me.

I was directly instructed by him, practicing from teaching in French to researching the history of the influence of the Vietnamese revolution on Africa in general and Madagascar in particular.

An exhibition and discussion to celebrate the 100th birthday of Professor Dinh Xuan Lam was held at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU. (Photo: L.Thu).

Prof. Dr. Dinh Xuan Dung: Prof. Dinh Xuan Lam is very simple and profound.

Professor Bui Xuan Dinh, one of the students of Professor Dinh Xuan Lam, emotionally recalled: "I once had difficulty completing my PhD thesis. Thanks to his help, all the problems were resolved. Not only is he a great scientist, he is also a dedicated teacher, ready to support his students with all his heart and responsibility."

Besides, Prof. Dr. Dinh Xuan Dung also has interesting memories with Prof. People's Teacher Dinh Xuan Lam. When asked about their family relationship due to the same last name and hometown, Prof. People's Teacher Dinh Xuan Lam just smiled and said: "I'm also looking to see if you and I are related?".

Professor Dinh Xuan Dung shared: "Professor Dinh Xuan Lam is not only a great scientist, but to me, he is also a very simple, sincere and profound person."

Looking back at the life and career of Professor Dinh Xuan Lam, it is impossible not to mention his enthusiasm for Vietnamese history. He not only laid the foundation for modern history curriculum but also inspired and fostered a passion for research in generations of students.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giao-duc/gsngnd-dinh-xuan-lam-nguoi-thay-truyen-lua-su-viet-cho-nhieu-the-he-20250225190252829.htm