Book "Heart for the Country" - The mark of former Vice President Nguyen Thi Binh

With over 600 pages, divided into three main parts, the book guides readers through the journey from diplomacy to education, from the struggle for independence to nation building, in a sincere, profound and historical tone. Each page reflects the mindset of a leader with strategic vision, deep humanity, always concerned with the fate of the country and the Vietnamese people.

The two books clearly show Ms. Nguyen Thi Binh's mark throughout her journey of attachment to the Vietnamese revolution. Photo: M.Chi

One of the highlights of the book is her recollections of the Paris negotiations – an event that marked a major turning point in Vietnam’s revolutionary diplomacy. Ms. Nguyen Thi Binh was the head of the negotiating delegation of the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam and the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam. She was the only woman at the negotiating table between the parties.

She affirmed: “In the history of world diplomacy, the Paris negotiations on Vietnam from May 1968 to January 1973 were the longest negotiations to end a war in the 20th century.” With more than 200 public sessions, 45 high-level private meetings, 500 press conferences and 1,000 interviews – these numbers not only show the fierceness of the diplomatic front, but are also vivid evidence of the perseverance, courage and intelligence of revolutionary diplomacy.

Not only an excellent diplomat, Ms. Nguyen Thi Binh also left a deep mark in the field of education. From 1976 to 1987, when the country had just emerged from the war, she held the position of Minister of Education. During her tenure, the education sector had its own day of honor for the first time - November 20 was chosen as Vietnam Teachers' Day. Titles such as "People's Teacher" and "Excellent Teacher" were also officially recognized for the first time. These policies were both a form of gratitude and reflected the vision of a leader who put people at the center and considered education as the foundation for sustainable development.

The appeal of the book also comes from the way she shares her concerns, thoughts and even private moments related to the general movement of the country. In 1992, when nominated for the position of Vice President, she refused because she was preparing to retire. But then, with a heart for the country, she asked herself: "Whatever I do, it is for the country, not for any other purpose." That simple answer is a profound testament to the ethics of public service, to the sense of responsibility of a revolutionary cadre who has devoted his whole life, regardless of title.

The memoirs in the book are not autobiographical or self-glorifying, but full of humanity and social responsibility. She wrote: “My life is linked to the life of the nation… I compare our country to a boat. Through many rapids, the boat of the Fatherland has set sail to the open sea, ahead is a new horizon.”

The book also clearly shows the political style of Ms. Nguyen Thi Binh - close to the people, simple, but sharp in thinking and steadfast in principles. In many pages, she shows a consistent attitude towards major issues such as judicial reform, building a rule of law state, promoting the role of women in national governance. All are presented as experiences drawn from practical life, with the sympathy and responsibility of a great citizen for the common destiny.

What is special about “A Heart for the Country” is its inspirational value. Ms. Nguyen Thi Binh does not hide her thoughts about the younger generation, the future of education, and Vietnam’s position in the international arena. The book ends with the image of a person over 90 years old still writing articles, attending seminars, campaigning for funds for children, education, and peace, still following current events, and still giving policy advice as if she had never rested.

Before republishing “A Heart for the Country”, the Truth National Political Publishing House had published her book Family, Friends and Country, with a circulation of up to 48,000 copies – a remarkable number for the political book - memoir genre. That success shows the strong spread of the values that Ms. Nguyen Thi Binh conveys: Not only the memories of a revolutionary, but also a way of life, a sustainable philosophy of humanity.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/sach-tam-long-voi-dat-nuoc-dau-an-cua-nguyen-pho-chu-tich-nuoc-nguyen-thi-binh-711715.html