Like spring flowers

The "Good People, Good Deeds" movement is increasingly developing and spreading, with many exemplary individuals who are learning from and following Uncle Ho's teachings to bring good things to life and spread positive messages. They can be said to be fragrant flowers in "Uncle Ho's garden".

Besides the exemplary individuals who are honored, receive commendations and certificates from leaders at all levels, and are featured in the media, there are still many shining examples around us—ordinary people with noble souls, ready to give and spread love. These examples, though quiet, are no less brilliant because of their contributions to life.

I would like to tell the story of a very ordinary man who lived a life as fragrant as spring flowers: Mr. Nguyen Van Huong, born in 1949, residing in Minh Thanh 1 neighborhood, Chon Thanh ward, Dong Nai province, former Party Secretary of the neighborhood, affectionately known by the locals as "Uncle Nam Huong".

I first met Uncle Nam Huong when he and my father worked together at the Representative Board of the Elderly Association of Chon Thanh District in 2003. My impression of him at that time was of a small stature, a warm voice, and a gentle smile. Born and raised in Ho Chi Minh City, Uncle Nam Huong spent almost his entire life connected to his second home - Minh Thanh.

Như hoa mùa xuân - Ảnh 1. — Scholarships were awarded to representatives of families of students who overcame difficulties and excelled in their studies.

Since 1975, in the early days of the local government, he has been involved in local activities. In 1979, Mr. Nam Huong was the youth leader of Minh Thanh commune. He held many positions in the locality. In 2000, he worked in ethnic and religious affairs in Binh Long district. In 2003, after the re-establishment of Chon Thanh district, he returned to serve as Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the district and Head of the District Senior Citizens' Association. After retiring in 2009, he continued to work with senior citizens in his home district.

In 2021, he retired from the Senior Citizens' Association. At his age, he could have enjoyed a peaceful retirement, but with a sharp mind, boundless energy, and a passionate heart, he continued to do things that benefited society.

The neighborhood Party branch elected him as its Secretary in July 2022. During his time leading the branch, he outlined many operational directions, aiming to serve the people and ensuring that political work was linked to improving the people's lives both materially and spiritually. Many cultural, artistic, and sports activities were organized for the residents, fostering strong bonds among them. He paid particular attention to the youth union members, considering them the Party's most valuable asset. He regularly attended branch meetings to encourage, share, and guide the younger generation with practical stories.

With years of experience in ethnic and religious affairs, she has contributed to the local community's efforts to promote a civilized lifestyle, eradicate superstition, and reduce outdated customs related to funerals and weddings. Leveraging her strong community involvement, she has fostered a vibrant cultural and artistic movement in the neighborhood, with performing arts groups of all ages, including youth, women, and especially the establishment of the Senior Citizens' Arts Club under the "Intergenerational Mutual Assistance" Club, embodying the spirit of "the older the age, the stronger the will," setting an example for future generations. And, of course, we cannot forget the establishment of the Chơn Thành District Traditional Music Club, chaired by Ms. Năm Hương herself from 2010 to the present.

Most people in Minh Thanh know Mr. Nam Huong, not only because he contributes to his neighborhood but also because he participates in supporting community activities. He once served as the Chairman of the People's Committee of Minh Thanh Commune. With his reputation and extensive experience, he and the local government have successfully mediated many cases involving land disputes, property issues, and family matters. He occasionally jokes that, despite being single, he always successfully mediates family disputes.

Since being entrusted with the position of Party Secretary of the neighborhood (2022), the most notable achievements include the effective models of mass mobilization that Mr. Nam Huong has advised the Party branch to develop, such as: "Model of mass mobilization in charitable work", "Model of building a strong political system", and "Model of culture in religious beliefs". To date, these models continue to operate effectively, contributing to guiding the thinking of cadres, Party members, and people in the neighborhood.

In 2024, he and the people of the neighborhood received a certificate of commendation for effectively implementing Directive 05 of the Politburo on promoting the study and emulation of Ho Chi Minh's thought, morality, and style. He said that it was a great honor for the neighborhood and for him personally. He was very proud to have lived, worked, and studied according to the thoughts of the great President Ho Chi Minh, contributing his efforts to the development of the locality.

Besides managing the activities of the neighborhood Party branch, Mr. Nam Huong pays special attention to charitable work. With a spirit of mutual support for the unfortunate and those in difficult circumstances, through his reputation and sincerity, he mobilized officials and residents to establish a neighborhood charity fund. He focuses all resources raised into this fund to share with those in need. His family alone contributed 60 million VND to the "Intergenerational Mutual Assistance" Club.

Như hoa mùa xuân - Ảnh 2. — Organizing donations for families in need.

Every year, he organizes a "homegrown" cultural evening in the neighborhood. With a deep spirit of sharing, the program has received the support of the people and contributed a considerable amount of money to support those who have suffered misfortunes in the area. He recounted that he vividly remembers the time he helped a family from the Mekong Delta who had come to Minh Thanh to start a new life. When the wife fell seriously ill and passed away, the family had no money for the funeral. He mobilized officials and residents to donate 39 million VND to cover the funeral expenses and help them with some of the costs of returning home...

He said that only by traveling did he realize how many unfortunate lives still need help, and that thought weighed heavily on his mind every night... He shared that he wanted to do so much, and had many plans he always cherished, but he was getting old and couldn't do big things anymore, so he always tried to do small things every day...

As proof, every year, he actively promotes and mobilizes people with the spirit of "helping those in need" so that those facing difficulties can receive warm gifts to celebrate the Lunar New Year. A special feature is that all the items and money he collects are concentrated in the neighborhood's Charity Fund and entrusted to the hamlet committee and the Fatherland Front of the neighborhood for distribution; he does not directly spend the money.

At the beginning of 2025, he will step down from his role as Party Branch Secretary, but with the desire to train capable and qualified young people to continue fulfilling the tasks entrusted by the Party and the people, he said he will be ready to support them with the knowledge and experience he has accumulated over more than 70 years of his life.

Having joined the Party in 1987, this down-to-earth Party member continues to diligently work every day to beautify life and spread positive values to those around him. It can be said that Uncle Nam Huong's actions may not be extraordinary, but not everyone can do what he does. Amidst the hustle and bustle of society and the struggles of life, Uncle Nam Huong remains simple and humble, dedicating most of his time to social work and the development and transformation of his community. Because for him, "giving is receiving, living is about loving."

The 5th "Living Beautifully" writing contest was organized to encourage people to write about noble acts that have helped individuals or communities. This year, the contest focuses on praising individuals or groups who have performed acts of kindness, bringing hope to those in difficult circumstances.

A highlight is the new environmental award category, which honors works that inspire and encourage action for a green and clean living environment. Through this, the organizers hope to raise community awareness in protecting the planet for future generations.

The competition features diverse categories and prize structures, including:

Article categories: Essays, reports, notes, or short stories, not exceeding 1,600 words for essays and 2,500 words for short stories.

Feature articles, reports, and notes:

- 1st Prize: 30,000,000 VND

- 2 Second Prizes: 15,000,000 VND

- 3 Third Prizes: 10,000,000 VND

- 5 Consolation Prizes: 3,000,000 VND

Short story:

- 1st Prize: 30,000,000 VND

- 1 Second Prize: 20,000,000 VND

- 2 Third Prizes: 10,000,000 VND

- 4 Consolation Prizes: 5,000,000 VND

Photo category: Submit a set of at least 5 photos related to volunteer work or environmental protection, along with the title of the photo set and a short description.

- 1st Prize: 10,000,000 VND

- 1 Second Prize: 5,000,000 VND

- 1 Third Prize: 3,000,000 VND

- 5 Consolation Prizes: 2,000,000 VND

Prize for the Most Popular Song: 5,000,000 VND

Prize for an outstanding essay on the topic of the environment: 5,000,000 VND

Honored Person Award: 30,000,000 VND

The deadline for submitting entries is October 16, 2025. Entries will be judged in a preliminary and final round by a panel of renowned judges. The organizers will announce the winners on the "Living Beautifully" special page. See the detailed rules at thanhnien.vn .

Organizing Committee of the "Living Beautifully" Contest