Having come a long way since the separation of Ha Bac province (1997), in 2025 we are once again given a "return ticket" as Bac Ninh and Bac Giang reunite. Amidst these historic days of June, we journalists proudly look back on our journey of dedication to integrating into the flow of Industry 4.0 technology and serving our homeland's renewal.
I still vividly remember the feeling of those first days stepping into the Bac Ninh Newspaper editorial office, at a time when the beloved Ha Bac province had just concluded a historical chapter, giving birth to two brother provinces: Bac Ninh and Bac Giang. A farewell to grow, for each land to find its own new impetus for development.
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Performance of Then singing by the Tay ethnic group (An Lac commune). |
Back then, with the enthusiasm of youth, we devoted ourselves to contributing to the spirit of creative work and building a rapidly and sustainably developing Bac Ninh province. History always has its miraculous turns.
In 2025, at an age when people begin to think about stability, with graying hair, I and my colleagues from the 70s generation of reporters are starting anew in Bac Ninh, as Bac Ninh and Bac Giang provinces have merged according to a resolution of the National Assembly .
After nearly three decades of forging their own path and achieving remarkable success, Bac Giang and Bac Ninh are reuniting to expand their scope and accumulate resources for a greater scale, in line with new governance methods in the era of Industry 4.0.
To be honest, in the early days of the merger, I couldn't help but feel a few moments of apprehension. The commute to work was longer, and field trips extended due to the vastness of the new administrative map.
My previous cultural subjects were confined to familiar, small spaces like the Do Temple, the ancient towers of Dau Pagoda and But Thap Pagoda, the simple Dong Ho folk paintings, or the Quan Ho villages. Now, the geographical scope is larger, the work pressure has increased, and there are field trips that can cover hundreds of kilometers.
But then, it was that long journey that awakened the instincts of a writer. I suddenly realized that the most valuable thing about journalism is not being able to sit comfortably in a familiar "comfort zone," but being able to step outside one's own limitations. Working as a cultural journalist in Bac Ninh on this new scale today, I feel my soul being enriched every day.
The old Bac Ninh, once predominantly inhabited by the Kinh people, has now transformed into a vibrant and diverse cultural space, featuring the Tay, Nung, Dao, San Diu, San Chi, and Cao Lan ethnic groups. Alongside the smooth and heartfelt Quan Ho folk songs and the captivating stories of Cheo and Tuong plays, I now hear the Sli and Luon melodies of the Nung people, the Sloonghao dance, and the Soong Co dance of the San Diu people…
My footsteps didn't just linger by the gently sloping Duong River; they touched the ancient, moss-covered temples of Vinh Nghiem and Bo Da, and the heroic firelight on the riverbanks of the former Yen The war zone. During the recent elections for the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term in the newly established Bac Ninh province, I gained a deeper understanding of the festive atmosphere of this national event when I witnessed the image of voters from ethnic minority groups, resplendent in their vibrant traditional costumes, eagerly going to the polls.
Particularly striking was the image of Nung ethnic minority voters from the Cam Son reservoir area (Son Hai commune) stepping ashore from their boats early in the morning, dressed in their pristine traditional clothing, heading towards the polling station. That image deeply moved me, reminding me that we journalists also need to be bold and courageous in overcoming difficulties to fulfill our assigned responsibilities, contributing to the journey of building a new Bac Ninh that operates more efficiently and develops more strongly.
What's most interesting about this journey is the reunion of people. Previously, journalists from Bac Ninh and Bac Giang provinces had a close and enduring relationship, frequently meeting and interacting. Now, we're all sitting together in the same newsroom, learning from and supporting each other in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Thinking about it, the merger of the provinces has broadened our horizons, broadened our perspectives, and deepened our sense of responsibility. The challenges are numerous, but the opportunities for professional growth have never been greater.
Nearly 30 years ago, I entered the profession alongside a newly re-established Bac Ninh. Today, with my hair beginning to show streaks of gray, I am once again accompanying a new Bac Ninh on its journey of expanding development. Having witnessed two beginnings for my homeland, I feel fortunate to still possess the same enthusiasm I had when I first picked up my pen.
Source: https://baobacninhtv.vn/hai-lan-khoi-dau-dang-nho-postid448196.bbg
