Keep the flame of the craft burning brightly.

- For us, those of us who have been involved in journalism, the recent trip to the Huynh Thuc Khang National Historical Site (Dai Phuc commune, Thai Nguyen province) was not just a business trip, but a sacred pilgrimage to our roots, to better understand and appreciate the generations of journalists who came before us.

The collective of the Specialized Editorial Branch (Party Committee of Lang Son Newspaper and Radio & Television) offers incense at the Huynh Thuc Khang Journalism Training School historical site (Photo: Tri Dung)

In June, the golden sunlight poured down like honey onto the endless green tea hills of Thai Nguyen province. The vehicle carrying the delegation of Party members and outstanding individuals from the Specialized Editorial Branch of the Party Committee of the Lang Son Newspaper and Radio and Television (PTTH) sped along the winding roads. As the solemn plaque bearing the golden inscription "National Monument - Huynh Thuc Khang School of Journalism" appeared against the sturdy gray stone wall, and we stepped into this sacred, tranquil space, we were overwhelmed with indescribable emotions – pride, emotion…

Legendary Class

Having spent many years working as a journalist in Lang Son, we have traveled hundreds of roads and witnessed countless changes in our homeland. Yet, standing before the replica of the old classroom at the Huynh Thuc Khang Journalism School National Monument, we are still deeply moved. Here, during the historic April of 1949, amidst the hardships of the resistance war against the French colonial invaders, the first and only journalism school in the war zone was established according to the directive of President Ho Chi Minh .

Standing before the bronze relief depicting the portraits of 48 members of the Board of Directors, faculty, and students of the school's first graduating class, we respectfully lit incense sticks. The rising incense smoke blended into the space like an invisible bridge, transporting us back to the glorious past of 77 years ago.

Party members, reporters, and editors from Lang Son Newspaper, Radio, and Television learn about historical documents at the Huynh Thuc Khang Journalism Training School historical site (Photo: Tri Dung)

Stepping into the exhibition space inside the historical site, we were able to admire priceless artifacts: from an old typewriter and faded newspaper prints to black-and-white documentary photographs capturing moments of students diligently writing by the light of oil lamps. Authentic historical documents vividly recorded the unique circumstances surrounding the establishment of this school. Opening on April 4, 1949, that single course lasted only three months with 42 students, yet it brought together a team of erudite lecturers and intellectuals such as comrades Trường Chinh, Võ Nguyên Giáp, Hoàng Quốc Việt, Trần Huy Liệu, Xuân Thủy, Tố Hữu, and others.

Looking at the list of the Board of Directors and the teaching staff, we couldn't help but be amazed and admire the historical significance of the course. Rarely does a course have instructors who are the great thinkers, generals, and artists of an entire nation. They not only taught journalistic skills, reportage, international commentary, and printing techniques, but more importantly, they instilled in us the flame of patriotism, political acumen, and the sharp thinking of a revolutionary soldier using the pen as a weapon. The slogan of action at the time: "Training cadres to fight the enemy with the pen and guide national public opinion," coined by Comrade Truong Chinh, or President Ho Chi Minh's admonition: "All for victory!" resonated like a command, transforming each journalist into a soldier on the ideological front.

Maintain a pure heart.

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The most moving moment of the tour was when we stood before the large, solemn glass plaque inscribed with the full text of President Ho Chi Minh's letter to the class on the closing day (July 6, 1949).

Journalists Hong Son and Trieu Xuan (Lang Son Newspaper and Television) research the historic letter President Ho Chi Minh sent to a class in July 1949.

Uncle Ho wrote in extremely simple, unadorned yet profound and poignant words: “This is the first journalism class, and I hope that you all will compete with each other in learning and practicing to be worthy pioneers on the journalistic front. Journalism must also implement the slogan: All for victory!” With this class, Uncle Ho also gave core professional advice that any journalist must engrave in their hearts: “If your writings are understood by the masses, enjoyed by the masses, and praised by the masses, then you have progressed. Conversely, you have not yet succeeded.”

Throughout the various stages of revolutionary journalism, President Ho Chi Minh's teachings—"Who are you writing for? What is the purpose of your writing? How should you write so that the people believe, understand, and act accordingly?"—remain true, valuable, and a guiding principle in the understanding and actions of generations of journalists, including those in Lang Son province.

Sharing his thoughts on the profound significance of this trip, Comrade Vu Le Minh, Secretary of the Party Branch and Head of the Specialized Programs Department (Lang Son Newspaper, Radio, and Television), said: “The Specialized Programs - Editorial Party Branch has 24 members. On the occasion of the 101st anniversary of the Vietnamese Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925 - June 21, 2026), the Party Branch's organization of a trip to the birthplace of the first journalism school is an extremely meaningful thematic activity. In today's digital transformation era, besides mastering technology and being skilled in multimedia, professional ethics, truthfulness, and the ability to guide public opinion remain the guiding principles of revolutionary journalists.”

Indeed, in the sacred space of the historical site, our thematic discussion became more profound than ever. Facing the simple relics, old letters, and President Ho Chi Minh's admonitions, each of us reflected on our own writing. Young journalist Phuong Thi Dung (Specialized Topics Department), an outstanding individual who was visiting this sacred land for the first time, was deeply moved: “I truly feel incredibly fortunate and proud to be standing here. The lessons from my university textbooks suddenly came alive and felt close through each relic and each letter from President Ho Chi Minh. His words: ‘Where to learn, and with whom to learn? Learn in society, learn in practical work, learn from the masses…’ ​​helped me realize that to create good works, one must immerse oneself, work closely with the grassroots, and listen to the voices from real life and the people.”

Speaking with us, Ms. Duong Thi Hong Van, Head of the Culture and Social Affairs Department of Dai Phuc Commune, Thai Nguyen Province, said: After being renovated and inaugurated on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the school's founding, the historical site has become a sacred "red address." The site has welcomed many delegations from central and local press agencies, journalists, and student groups from all over the country who come to learn about history. We always strive to preserve and enhance the cultural landscape here so that every visitor can fully feel the spirit and heroism of the journalist-soldier generation of the past.

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The thematic meeting of the Party Branch for Specialized Topics and Editorial Affairs concluded with a heartwarming and humane activity: the branch, along with representatives from the local government, presented meaningful gifts to underprivileged students at Tan Thai Primary and Secondary School (Dai Phuc commune). Seeing the innocent smiles and hopeful eyes of the children, we understood that this journey back to our roots is not only about honoring the past but also about sowing seeds of love for future generations.

The car rolled away from Thai Nguyen, leaving behind the lush green tea hills bathed in the soft afternoon sun. This trip ignited in us – Party members, outstanding citizens, and journalists from Lang Son – a fire burning brighter than ever before. We promised ourselves that we would continue to uphold "sharp pens, pure hearts, and bright minds," always dedicating ourselves wholeheartedly to producing journalistic works that truly reflect life, worthy of the glorious tradition of the legendary Huynh Thuc Khang school.

Source: https://baolangson.vn/lua-nghe-sang-mai-giua-dai-ngan-viet-bac-5095962.html