The fire keeper at the foot of Mount Voi

Simple, diligent, and a man of action, Nguyen Thai Bang, a Ca Dong Party member with 25 years of Party membership in Boa village (Tra Giap commune), has become a trusted pillar of support for the villagers. He is a shining example of bringing the Party's will to the hearts of the people with sincerity and a unique approach characteristic of mountain dwellers.

Mr. Nguyen Thai Bang (leading) performs drumming and gong playing at the 2026 Ethnic Culture Festival in Tra Giap commune. Photo: BINH MINH

Born in 1978, Mr. Bang grew up and was closely associated with the fields and farms at the foot of the pristine Voi Mountain. From over 5 acres of rice paddies, 7 hectares of Tra My cinnamon trees, and a herd of livestock, he built a solid family economy , and for many years he was recognized as an outstanding farmer in the locality. His three children are all well-behaved and filial; his eldest son has graduated from university and has a stable job. A role model in all movements from an early age, he was honored to join the Party at the young age of 22.

Throughout his twenty years of service, including 15 years as village head and 5 years as Party branch secretary, Bang has always been a man of action.

When Hamlet 3 was merged, it became the largest and most densely populated area in Tra Giap commune with 256 households and nearly 1,000 inhabitants. The area is characterized by high mountains and treacherous terrain, with access to the hamlets almost completely isolated from the commune center. Following the government's road construction policy, Mr. Bang voluntarily donated 1 hectare of cinnamon plantation land and mobilized villagers to donate more than 6 hectares for road construction; he also encouraged residents living in landslide-prone areas to relocate to a safe resettlement area.

Thanks to his tireless efforts and compassionate heart, Mr. Bang changed the mindset of the people in Boa village. He encouraged the villagers to gradually abandon alcohol and focus on reclaiming an additional 20 hectares of paddy fields. Today, the villagers' lives have improved, and food in the hamlets is always self-sufficient, eliminating the risk of food shortages even during prolonged periods of flooding. Negative superstitions, superstitions, and ostentatious and wasteful buffalo sacrifice rituals have gradually been eradicated.

In particular, Mr. Bang is deeply knowledgeable about the cultural identity of the Ca Dong people, from their folk songs and dances to their drumming and gong playing, and their spiritual rituals. Whenever the commune has a festival or community activity, he takes the lead in gathering the villagers, instilling a sense of pride and encouraging their active participation. As a result, Boa village has always been a leading village in Tra Giap commune in terms of cultural and artistic activities.

Mr. Nguyen Thai Bang (standing in the middle) and villagers participate in the 2026 Ethnic Culture Festival of Tra Giap Commune. Photo: BINH MINH

With his reputation for "speaking in a way the people understand and acting in a way the people trust," he connects the Party's will with the people's hearts, propagates the Party's policies and guidelines, helps people raise awareness, and resolutely combats harmful and toxic information and illegal religious practices.

The villagers respectfully regard him as a "young village elder." Village elder Nguyen Van Dong affirmed: "Seeing young people like Bang setting an example, protecting the forest and the village, I believe in him and encourage the villagers to follow suit." Local leaders also highly appreciate his contributions. Mr. Ho Van Dung, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Tra Giap commune, said: "Mr. Bang is an exemplary role model, energetic, wholeheartedly dedicated to the people, and a bridge connecting the Party's resolutions and the State's policies into life."

At the 2025 Patriotic Emulation Congress of Tra Giap Commune, Mr. Nguyen Thai Bang was awarded a Certificate of Commendation by the Chairman of the People's Committee of the city. Mr. Bang's example not only ignites hope in Boa village but also spreads a simple message: When every Party member sets a good example, the village will always be prosperous and endure amidst the green mountains.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/nguoi-giu-lua-ben-chan-nui-voi-3338484.html