The seminar "The Youthful Spirit of Southern Literature" is an opportunity for today's generation of writers to reflect on their creative journey and affirm the creativity and talent of young writers in the city.
Diverse resources
On the morning of October 21st, the seminar "Youthful Literary Energy in Southern Vietnam," organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Writers' Association, took place at the Youth Cultural Center (Saigon Ward). The event was part of the ongoing "Ho Chi Minh City Literature and Arts Days" series of activities.
The seminar brought together many outstanding young writers who had made their mark in prestigious literary competitions. The seminar's content offered many perspectives on the journeys of today's young writers, who are contributing to extending the creative and dynamic flow of urban literature in Southern Vietnam.
Writer Trinh Bich Ngan, President of the Ho Chi Minh City Writers Association, delivered the opening remarks at the seminar.
In her opening remarks at the seminar, writer Trinh Bich Ngan, President of the Ho Chi Minh City Writers Association, affirmed that the young literary creative force of Ho Chi Minh City is constantly being nurtured and rejuvenated. Many new faces have emerged, bringing with them abundant creativity and the spirit of dedication of young writers amidst the dynamic urban life.
Writer Bui Tieu Quyen believes that thanks to the convergence characteristics of the southern central urban area, young literature in Ho Chi Minh City is constantly energized by many new resources.
It is this intermingling that has created a growing number of young writers, rich in style and diverse in creative personalities.
Young writers exchange ideas at the seminar. From left to right: Writer Bui Tieu Quyen, writer Nguyen Dinh Khoa, writer Vo Thu Huong, and poet Tran Duc Tin.
Sharing that same sentiment, writer Vo Thu Huong observes that the youthful energy of Ho Chi Minh City's literature today comes from a large and dynamic group of writers, spanning generations from the 70s, 80s, and 90s to young people born in 2000.
"Each generation is like a wave, and when they combine, they create a youthful and vibrant current. With the development of social media, the space for interaction between writers and readers is expanding, making literature more accessible and widespread," she said.
Extending the Southern sentiment
Currently, with the attention and support from all levels and sectors, young writers in Ho Chi Minh City have many opportunities to develop and make breakthroughs. Besides the Young Author Award initiated by the Ho Chi Minh City Writers Association to honor promising writers, the annual Young Author Award of the Vietnam Writers Association has also become a prestigious brand, contributing to recognizing the creative efforts of the next generation.
Since 2022, the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City has also organized the annual Young Writers' Award with the goal of encouraging "literary entrepreneurship," creating a space for university students to nurture their passion for writing, and fostering creativity and love for literature.
From left to right: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Thanh Truyen, Dr. La Mai Thi Gia and Dr. Ho Khanh Van exchanging views at the seminar.
Dr. Ho Khanh Van (Lecturer at the Faculty of Literature - Linguistics, University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City) stated that the "Literary Entrepreneurship" competition in recent times has shown a great need for creative writing among young people, but they still lack a professional platform.
"Over the past four years, we have observed that many young people possess talent, independent thinking, and fresh approaches to literature. This proves that the passion for writing still burns brightly in today's generation," emphasized Dr. Ho Khanh Van.
Associate Professor Bui Thanh Truyen, Chairman of the Theoretical and Critical Council of the Ho Chi Minh City Writers' Association, believes that contemporary young literature is bringing a new vitality to literary life.
This enthusiasm and passion not only contribute to revitalizing literary life but also breathe new life into those who came before. In this context, young writers are not merely striving to assert themselves but are also undertaking a deeper mission: to inspire faith and continue the flow of Southern Vietnamese literature.
The delegates took a commemorative photo.
In the context of cultural shifts in the audiovisual and digital age, some argue that literature is gradually being pushed aside by the allure of new forms of entertainment. However, Dr. Ho Khanh Van believes this change is an inevitable law of cultural evolution.
"We just need to stay calm, set the right direction, and enduring values will return. Literature, after periods of being overshadowed, remains a repository of profound spiritual values and will soon find its place again in modern cultural life," affirmed Dr. Ho Khanh Van.
Source: https://nld.com.vn/suc-tre-van-chuong-phuong-nam-196251021142006731.htm
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