Kadrinka Kadrinova - Bulgarian journalist and two decades of writing about the "Vietnamese miracle"

From her childhood memories in Moscow to her trips across Vietnam, Bulgarian journalist Kadrinka Velichkova Kadrinova has spent two decades writing about Vietnam with passion and love. Her books, articles and stories not only tell about history and innovation but also preserve her sincere feelings for Vietnam as a part of her heart.

Origin from childhood

Among the international friends present in Vietnam on the occasion of National Day September 2 this year, Kadrinka Velichkova Kadrinova is mentioned with respect. She is a prestigious journalist in Bulgaria and Europe, with special sympathy for Vietnam.

Born in Italy, raised in Moscow (Russia) and then settled in Bulgaria, Kadrinova came to Vietnam very early. At the age of 9-14, participating in the international solidarity club, Kadrinova heard about the resistance of the Vietnamese people. The image of a resilient nation planted in the soul of the Bulgarian girl the dream of visiting Vietnam. It was not until December 2006, with the support of the Vietnamese Embassy in Bulgaria, that dream came true and then the trip across Vietnam left her with a deep impression of "the miracle of Vietnam".

Journalist Kadrinka Kadrinova in Vietnamese Ao Dai at the Launching Ceremony of the book "Vietnam Miracle", June 2021. (Photo: KT)

Since then, the love for Vietnam has become the inspiration for hundreds of articles and 5 books, including works considered milestones in the media about Vietnam in Bulgaria. In 2010, Kadrinova published "Vietnam - Children of Dragon and Fairy" in Bulgarian, then translated into English, launched on the occasion of the 1000th anniversary of Thang Long - Hanoi .

In 2021, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Bulgaria, Kadrinova published the book "Vietnam Miracle" with 20 chapters and 3 appendices including 120 photos, mainly photos she took herself during her visits to Vietnam.

The book introduces a comprehensive image of Vietnam from its national history, cultural traditions, country, people, outstanding achievements in the process of building and developing the country, especially Vietnam's success in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. The entire process of building, defending the country and the renovation and development of Vietnam is seen by her as a "miracle".

Some images in the book "Vietnam Miracle" by journalist Kadrinka Kadrinova. (Photo: KT)

In a letter to Vietnamese readers on the occasion of the launch of the Vietnamese version of "Vietnam Miracle" translated and published by the Vietnam - Bulgaria Friendship Association of Hanoi, she wrote: "I am the author of 4 books, 2 of which are dedicated to Vietnam - the country that I have visited 5 times as a journalist. Vietnam is also the main topic of many of my articles published over the years, inspired by my deep respect for the achievements that the Vietnamese people have achieved throughout history and in modern times. With special affection, I always focus on writing about the traditional friendship between Bulgaria and Vietnam - a relationship that not only has great potential for further development, but is also a precious human treasure expressed through specific people - Bulgarian friends of Vietnam and Vietnamese friends of Bulgaria".

Mr. Nguyen Vu Can, Vice President of the Vietnam - Bulgaria Friendship Association in Hanoi, shared on his personal page: "The book "Vietnam Miracle" is a synthesis of Ms. Kadrinova's strong impressions of the country and people of Vietnam through 5 visits and writings about our Fatherland. The birth of the book is the result of overcoming countless difficulties - from preparing the manuscript in the mass of documents accumulated since 1996, to arranging financial printing during the pandemic. Perhaps the great love for Vietnam in Kadrinka Kadrinova has given her wings to complete the book".

According to Mr. Can, Kadrinka Kadrinova is "a new icon of media about Vietnam in Bulgaria and Europe".

A Vietnam in the heart

Kadrinka Kadrinova's articles not only tell the history of war, but also portray a renewed and strong Vietnam.

In the article titled "Unification - the highlight of the 50th anniversary of the end of the war in Vietnam" written by her on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification Day, she wrote: "After 50 years, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam has risen from the ashes of war, becoming one of the fastest growing economies in the world, pursuing a consistent foreign policy based on international understanding, effective partnership and mutually beneficial cooperation with all countries - including former enemies in the past. After suffering many losses due to war, the Vietnamese people always consider peace and national unity as the most sacred and precious values".

Journalist Kadrinka Kadrinova (far left) was honored to receive the Friendship Medal from the State of Vietnam in 2010. (Photo: KT)

She paid special attention to the spirit of national solidarity in the article "Vietnam is one, the Vietnamese people are one" by General Secretary To Lam.

According to her, "the core message of the article is: National unity is not a completed goal, but only a starting point for building a stronger and more developed Vietnam. In other words, peace is not a static and passive monument, but a living and dynamic foundation for the process of continuous progress. Part of that process is modernizing the country, raising the intellectual level of the people associated with new technology, and constantly improving infrastructure. All of these are nurtured in an ethical and sympathetic social environment - where people are encouraged to devote themselves and be responsible for the common good, for the increasingly strong development of the Fatherland".

Kadrinka Kadrinova's name is closely associated with the topic of Vietnam. Since September 2024, she has been appointed by Bulgarian President Rumen Radev as a member of the Electronic Media Council - the highest media management body in Bulgaria. Although she no longer works regularly, she still affirms: "Throughout my journalistic career, the topic of Vietnam has always been something especially close to my heart."

Kadrinka Kadrinova was honored to receive the Friendship Medal from the Vietnamese State in 2010 and was twice awarded the National Award for Foreign Information of Vietnam. For her, the journey of writing about Vietnam has never stopped, because as she once shared: "The impression of a friendly, open Vietnam will remain in me forever."

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/kadrinka-kadrinova-nha-bao-bulgaria-va-hai-thap-ky-viet-ve-phep-mau-viet-nam-215736.html