Vitality from the great solidarity of ethnic groups and religions

An Giang is home to the Kinh, Hoa, Khmer, and Cham ethnic groups, creating a vibrant and diverse cultural tapestry. Photo: PHUONG LAN

Located at the headwaters of the Hau River, An Giang is not only famous for its picturesque landscapes but also for its seas, islands, and diverse cultures, ethnic groups, and religions, nurtured over centuries, creating a tradition of unity and harmony characteristic of the Mekong Delta.

Blend

After the merger, An Giang province has an area of over 9,888 km2, with a land border with the provinces of Kandal, Takeo, and Kampot (Kingdom of Cambodia) stretching approximately 148 km across 14 communes and wards. The total population of the province is nearly 5 million people, of which ethnic minorities account for approximately 472,132 people, or over 11%. The Khmer people number 399,002 (8%); the Hoa people number 46,515 (0.93%); the Cham people number 21,594 (0.43%); and other ethnic minorities number approximately 5,021 (1.75%).

Mr. Chau Xiêm, a resident of An Cư commune and a respected figure among the Khmer community, expressed: “I am always aware of my responsibility in ensuring security and order in the locality. We live in a border area, so the work of disseminating information and mobilizing the people must be carried out regularly and seriously.”

Mr. Chau Xiêm actively disseminated legal regulations related to the border, urging people not to participate in or abet smuggling, illegal border crossings, or activities that disrupt security and order. He frequently used the Khmer language to thoroughly explain the rights and obligations of people living in border areas.

An Giang is also a locality with a rich religious and spiritual life, being the birthplace of many indigenous religions such as Hoa Hao Buddhism, Buu Son Ky Huong, Tu An Hieu Nghia, Hieu Nghia Ta Lon Buddhism, and Cao Dai Bach Y. The province has 14 recognized religions with over 2.1 million followers, accounting for approximately 46.6% of the population. There are 5 religious organizations, 463 affiliated religious organizations with over 1,600 religious dignitaries, more than 4,200 religious officials, about 3,000 monks and nuns, 77 concentrated religious activity points, and 4 religious training institutions. Religious organizations and followers actively participate in social work, charity, building a new cultural life, contributing to maintaining political security and strengthening national unity.

A prime example is the Hoa Hao Buddhist Association of Vinh Trach commune, which not only effectively maintains the social welfare model of a charitable canteen but also actively cooperates with the Vinh Trach commune police to implement the model "Hoa Hao Buddhist followers in Vinh Trach commune say no to social evils." Vo Van Tuan, head of the Hoa Hao Buddhist Association of Vinh Trach commune, stated: "Through concrete and practical actions, followers commit to preventing their children and family members from violating the law and engaging in social evils such as gambling, cockfighting, football betting, and superstition..."

The role of influential people

In recent times, the Provincial People's Committee has focused on directing and strengthening propaganda work, building, replicating, commending, and honoring advanced models, especially among ethnic minority communities and religious followers. Annually, the Department of Ethnic Minorities and Religions issues a plan to launch a thematic emulation campaign on "Promoting the role of influential figures among ethnic minority communities." With this model, influential figures in the province are increasingly playing a good role, making positive contributions to disseminating information and mobilizing ethnic minority communities to comply with the Party's guidelines, the State's policies and laws, participate in socio-economic development, and maintain security and order in the locality.

Reputable individuals among ethnic minority communities in the province are quietly contributing, becoming a strong bridge between the government and the people. A prime example is Mr. Chau Hean, 65 years old, residing in Tri Ton commune. Using his influence, he actively mobilizes his fellow villagers to contribute to the construction and repair of rural roads and bridges. In particular, he actively promotes and encourages his children and grandchildren in the village to strictly abide by the Party's guidelines and the State's policies and laws.

Sharing the same sentiment, Mr. Chau Van Ny, 52 years old, residing in Tri Ton commune, has been involved in the role of a respected community leader for over 10 years. He has always actively participated with the local government in encouraging the Khmer people to live and work in accordance with the Constitution and laws. In particular, Mr. Ny focuses on education and economic development to improve the quality of life.

Understanding the difficulties faced by the Khmer people in life, the monks actively mobilize philanthropists and social organizations to join hands in helping the community. For example, at Kal Pô Prưk Pagoda, during the traditional Chol Chnam Thmay New Year or Lunar New Year, the monks always donate 200-300 meaningful gift packages to the people, each worth 300,000 VND. At Văn Râu Pagoda in An Cư commune, Venerable Chăng Ratana combines this work with disseminating and promoting the Party's guidelines and policies, and the State's laws and regulations, so that the people can always live "a good life and a virtuous life" during the main festivals of the Khmer people such as Chol Chnam Thmay, Sene Dolta, Ok Om Bok, and the Kathina ceremony.

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