Reunion with renewed aspirations.

After approximately three decades since their separation (Ninh Binh province in 1992, Ha Nam and Nam Dinh provinces in 1997), the three provinces of Ha Nam, Nam Dinh, and Ninh Binh have reunited with a great aspiration: to reunite for greater prosperity. This is not only a milestone marking changes, construction, and growth, but also a testament to the harmony of profound cultural and historical values ​​that have bound these three regions together since ancient times.

Trang An World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site - where culture intertwines with the wonder, mystery, and grandeur of nature. Photo: Manh Thang

Three decades ago, I was a child too young to fully understand the significance of my homeland being divided into three separate provinces. From the fragmented stories of the adults, I vaguely understood it was for development, for the demands of the new era. But in the heart of a child like me, there was only a vague sadness, as if something very dear had been lost.

Back then, my father often talked about his business trips, about his friends from Vu Ban, Nho Quan, Binh Luc, Hai Hau... about how they overcame difficulties together during the subsidy period. My mother would mention the rural markets, where you could find Nam Dinh beef pho, Ba Thi sticky rice cakes, Ninh Binh crispy rice, Yen Mac fermented pork sausage, Phu Ly fish cakes, and Ve Market's snakehead fish rice crackers... In my childhood memories, it was a land that was three yet one, one yet three. Those people, though differing somewhat in accent and customs, shared a common genuine, hardworking heart and a simple, heartfelt love for their homeland; when they met, they affectionately called each other "our hometown."

A view of Nam Dinh city. Photo: Xuan Truong

In later years, I understood and witnessed that the separation of my "homeland" into three distinct provinces was a necessary decision, consistent with the requirements of socio-economic management and development during the period of reform. But in my mind, and certainly in the minds of many, this land, "three yet one, one yet three," remains a unified cultural and historical space, closely intertwined through generations. It is not just a geographical area, but also a land where the sacred spirit of the mountains and rivers converges, a place deeply marked by the dynasties of the nation's history. From the capital of Hoa Lu during the Dinh and Early Le dynasties, the foundation of the Dai Co Viet nation, to the Ly dynasty with its brilliant developments in culture, Buddhism, and state organization; From the glorious victories of the Tran Dynasty in repelling the Mongol invaders three times, to the relics and cultural heritage of the Tran Dynasty spread across three provinces, to the indomitable images in the resistance wars against French colonialism and American imperialism – all bear witness to the patriotic tradition, resilience, and heroic spirit of the people of this land.

The three provinces that are "my homeland" have made their own distinct strides in development: Nam Dinh with its textile industry, educational traditions, and cultural heritage sites such as Phu Day and Tran Temple; Ninh Binh becoming a regional and national tourism center (Trang An, Hoa Lu, Bai Dinh) and developing a green economy; and Ha Nam rising from agriculture and industry to modern infrastructure, becoming an attractive investment destination...

The independent development of each province has created its own unique strengths. But the people of Ninh Binh still remember the Vieng market, a once-in-a-spring festival for good luck; the people of Nam Dinh still remember the traditional folk songs of Ninh Binh and Ha Nam; and the people of Ha Nam still fondly remember Giao Cu pho and Hai Hau sticky rice as part of their hometown's flavors.

Some say that administrative boundaries are merely lines on a map, while feelings and culture are what endure. For me, this land of "three yet one, one yet three" is the most beautiful proof of that. Although the three provinces have followed different paths, we once shared a common starting point, a common historical journey, and a common pride in a land of "exceptional people and rich history."

Thirty years ago, separation was for positioning and development. Thirty years later, reunification is for reaching further. The years of past unification have become a cherished part of our memories. And today, Ha Nam, Nam Dinh, and Ninh Binh are together writing a new story – a story of strong and sustainable development in the era of national progress.

Looking at my homeland today, I feel a new vitality emerging. Long highways, heritage parks, and modern industrial zones have sprung up; traditional craft villages such as Van Lam and Thanh Ha embroidery, Doi Tam drum making, La Xuyen woodworking, Co Chat silk, Giao Cu pho, Ninh Van stone carving, Kim Son sedge weaving, Bo Bat pottery... or ancient opera villages like Dang Xa, Thi Son, Thuong Phuong, and Khanh Thien still retain their unique cultural characteristics through centuries. This dynamic development does not erase traditional values, but rather blends the old and the new, creating a unique identity – both dynamic and deeply rooted in our homeland.

Phu Ly City (Ha Nam Province). Photo: Government Newspaper

I envision a future Ninh Binh: its coastline, stretching for hundreds of kilometers, awakens, becoming one of the solid foundations for the homeland's rise to prosperity from the sea; the rice paddies of Ha Nam and Nam Dinh will become high-tech rice granaries; renowned craft villages will become export centers for handicrafts; and the cultural and natural heritage of Ninh Binh will be world-class tourist destinations. This unification is not simply the merging of three pieces, but the creation of a complete overall picture where the strengths of each region are maximized. And perhaps, the greatest strength of this reunion is its people. The hardworking people of Ha Nam, the skillful people of Nam Dinh, the resilient people of Ninh Binh – when we join hands, nothing is impossible. I believe that love for the homeland and the aspiration to rise will be the catalyst that transforms Ninh Binh into an economic and cultural center worthy of national and international recognition.

I have always been proud to be a son of "my homeland," and I feel fortunate to have witnessed both historical moments: separation and reunification. People from Ha Nam, Nam Dinh, and Ninh Binh, wherever they may be today, share the belief that this reunification will create momentum for the remarkable development of the new Ninh Binh province. This is not just an economic story, but also a convergence of new mindsets, new spirit, and new determination to work together to build a prosperous, civilized, and culturally rich homeland, worthy of our ancestors' traditions and creating a sustainable future for generations to come.

I believe that a new Ninh Binh will rise strongly, developing its human potential and heritage to become a new center, reaching new heights. And in that flow, each person from Ha Nam, Nam Dinh, and Ninh Binh will find their place, contributing together to building a prosperous and beautiful homeland.

Hung Anh

Source: https://baoninhbinh.org.vn/tai-hop-trong-khat-vong-moi-075061.htm