The spirit of the Đồng Khởi citizens

Countless seemingly impossible feats were accomplished, but thanks to their profound love for their homeland, these "living monuments" of the "Dong Khoi Citizens" wrote a fairy tale in everyday life. As a result, many struggling people in the Coconut Land were supported and helped to rise in life.

Mr. Huynh Van Cam ( bottom row, third from the left) with the children who underwent heart surgery, Ho Chi Minh City Charity Association, and the cardiology department of Cho Ray Hospital at the "From Heart to Heart" program. Photo: HBT

Although he never married, Mr. Huynh Van Cam had thousands of children and grandchildren. (Archival photo)

The pain from the photograph in his briefcase has haunted Mr. Huynh Van Cam – a Hero of Labor during the đổi mới (renovation) period and Chairman of the Association for the Support of Poor Patients, Disabled People, and Orphans in Ben Tre Province – throughout his years of service at the association. Mr. Huynh Van Cam (also known as Mr. Nam Le Huynh) choked back tears as he recounted: Once, he couldn't find enough aid to save a child; just one day before surgery, the child passed away. Since then, he has kept the child's photograph in his daily work briefcase as a reminder to act quickly, to fight to save the lives of children with heart disease. From that moment on, Mr. Huynh Van Cam has strived to help more than 1,000 children recover after heart surgeries. Many of these children, who underwent heart surgery, still affectionately call Mr. Huynh Van Cam "grandpa" or "grandfather."

Mr. Huynh Van Cam's boundless love for children with heart disease and people with disabilities has helped countless lives rediscover the meaning of life. Photo: HBT

Alongside his journey to restore the heartbeat of many, Mr. Huynh Van Cam has built hundreds of such homes, thanks to his generosity. The scholarship program to support poor, disabled, and orphaned students, later known as the Nhan Thien Scholarship Fund, is also a program he has devoted much effort to. Mr. Huynh Van Cam was awarded the title "Dong Khoi Citizen" in 2021 (at that time, he was the Chairman of the Association for the Support of Poor Patients, Disabled People, and Orphans in Ben Tre Province).

Ms. Ho Thi Hoang Yen (far right), Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, and Ms. Nguyen Thi Be Muoi (far left), Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, present flowers and the title "Dong Khoi Citizen" to Mr. Huynh Van Cam. Photo by Phan Han.

The Nhan Thien Scholarship Fund has helped countless students from the Coconut Land to rise to success. The story of Dr. Do Tan Khang, from Cho Lach district, is a testament to Mr. Huynh Van Cam's compassion for those facing hardship in his homeland.

Mr. Huynh Van Cam and Dr. Do Tan Khang. Photo: Hoang Ha

Mr. Do Tan Khang has suffered from a leg disability since childhood due to the aftereffects of polio. His father passed away early, leaving his family in difficult circumstances, and his elderly mother has to work hard as a laborer in Ho Chi Minh City. Throughout his years in university, Mr. Do Tan Khang received continuous support from the Ben Tre Provincial Association for the Support of Poor Patients, Disabled People, and Orphans.

Mr. Do Tan Khang (third from the left) earned his PhD in Biotechnology in Japan. (Photo provided by the subject)

Do Tan Khang graduated with honors and received a Master's scholarship in Australia, followed by a PhD scholarship in Japan. Dr. Do Tan Khang shared: “The scholarship is a voice of encouragement from my homeland, helping me strive for the best academic results. This support partially helps with tuition fees, reduces the burden on my family, and makes me more confident in life. More importantly, the Association regularly invites me back to share my experiences, serving as an example for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, which motivates me even more…” Do Tan Khang earned his PhD in Biotechnology in Japan and is currently the Head of the Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute for Research and Development of Biotechnology, Can Tho University.

On both banks of the Thanh Long sandbank in Thanh Thoi A commune, Mo Cay Nam district, there still stands the grave of a young student. Tears welled up in his eyes at the cases of students falling from makeshift bridges and drowning. Mr. Trinh Van Y was deeply troubled by the suffering of his fellow villagers. After years of dedication, finally serving as Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, at the age of 60, Mr. Trinh Van Y did not rest but chose to dedicate himself to building rural transportation infrastructure in the Coconut Land.

At 84 years old, Mr. Trinh Van Y remains wholeheartedly dedicated to building rural roads and bridges in his coconut-growing homeland. Photo: Thach Thao

As Chairman of the Ben Tre Association of Bridge and Road Engineering, Mr. Trinh Van Y (also known as Mr. Hai Mai Son) contributed significantly to rural communities during his 20 years of service (from 60 to 80 years old), building 2,500 bridges and 350km of roads. His portrait has been fondly recounted by journalists in articles such as: "A Medal for Kindness" - Can Tho Newspaper, "A Beggar of Great Significance" - Tuoi Tre Newspaper, "The Exemplary Brother Hai of Bridges and Roads" - Dong Khoi Newspaper, "Mr. Trinh Van Y, a Man Wholeheartedly Dedicated to the People" - Thi Doi Khen Thuong Magazine, "A Bridge Connecting Shores of Joy" - Dong Khoi Newspaper...

Mr. Trinh Van Y (back row, far right) was honored in the "Glory of Vietnam - 30 Years of Renovation" program in 2017. (Photo: Archival material)

The Director of the Vietnam Institute of Records awarded Mr. Trinh Van Y the Vietnam Record for the record: "The person who has contributed the most to mobilizing and supporting the construction of concrete bridges and roads in rural areas (from 2003 to 2021 with 2,500 bridges and 300 km of roads)." Photo: T. Thao

Mr. Trinh Van was awarded the title "Dong Khoi Citizen" in 2021. Photo: Thach Thao

For his contributions, Mr. Trinh Van Y was awarded many prestigious titles by the Party and the State. In particular, he was honored by the Central Selection Council in the program "Vietnam's Glory - 30 Years of Renovation." Mr. Trinh Van Y was awarded the title "Dong Khoi Citizen" in 2021.

A Zen master once said, "Boundless love/ Always brings joy/ Sharing suffering/ Guiding each other to peace." The love of Mr. Huynh Van Cam and Mr. Trinh Van Y for their homeland has a profound impact, regardless of differences in borders, language, and skin color.

Mr. Toni Ruttiman and Mr. Trinh Van Y (Mai Son) in 2006. Photo: Archival material.

With a heart full of devotion to his homeland for 20 years, Mr. Trinh Van Y attracted many friends. Among them was Mr. Toni Ruttiman, a Swiss road and bridge expert, who sponsored the construction of 48 cable-stayed bridges, replacing 46 ferry crossings and 2 makeshift bridges. These practical projects, implemented by the Ben Tre Association of Science and Technology, addressed the urgent needs of rural areas and gained recognition from friends both domestically and internationally.

Locals are excited to watch the construction of a cable-stayed bridge to replace ferries and makeshift bridges. (Photo: Archival material)

“While I was assembling the Tra Bong bridge in Nhi My commune, an elderly man named Mai Son (the common name of Mr. Trinh Van Y) from Ben Tre province approached me and asked for my help in building bridges for farmers. Knowing that he was a former leader of Ben Tre province, now retired but still dedicating the rest of his life to volunteering to build bridges and roads for poor farmers, I was very happy to have met someone with the same ideals. Therefore, I agreed to go to Ben Tre province with Mr. Mai Son two days later,” – Mr. Toni Ruttiman recounted his connection with Ben Tre.

Toni Ruttiman was accepted   Certificate of commendation from the Provincial People's Committee. Photo: Archival material.

We are grateful to Mr. Toni Ruttiman, Ben Tre province, for awarding him the title of "Honorary Citizen of the Dong Khoi Movement" in 2022.

Mr. Nam Le Huynh and Ms. Akemi Bando. Photo: HBT

Thirty years ago, through Mr. Nam Le Huynh, Ms. Akemi Bando learned about Ben Tre, and throughout her life, this Japanese woman has always held Ben Tre in her heart. To support those less fortunate, she spearheaded the construction of the School for Children with Disabilities, the first school for disabled children in Ben Tre. In addition, Ms. Akemi Bando has implemented community-based rehabilitation programs, a primary healthcare program for mothers and children to reduce the rate of birth defects, disabilities, and developmental delays, training programs in childcare, support for medical equipment, the establishment of a rehabilitation center for people with disabilities, and a vocational training program to help people with disabilities find employment and confidently integrate into the community.

Ms. Akemi Bando with disabled children in Ben Tre province. Photo: Huyen Trang - HBT

Ms. Akemi Bando, Secretary General of the Vietnam-Japan Children's Aid Association, shared: “It has been 30 years since my first visit to Ben Tre, but I still remember that first day as if it were yesterday... Our Vietnam Children's Aid Association has worked and operated for 30 years in just one province. The reason is very simple: the members of the Association have a deep love for Ben Tre. Because successive leaders over the past 30 years have always cared about and wished to bring a better life to the people of Ben Tre.” Ms. Akemi Bando, Secretary General of the Vietnam-Japan Children's Aid Association, was awarded the title of “Honorary Citizen of Dong Khoi” in 2021.

Leaders of Ben Tre province presented the title of "Honorary Citizen of Dong Khoi" to Ms. Akemi Bando. Photo: T. Thao

There are many more touching stories about the compassionate hearts of individuals recognized as "Dong Khoi Citizens" and "Honorary Dong Khoi Citizens," such as Dr. Ta Thi Chung (Ta Thi Tam), a Labor Hero and People's Physician. As Deputy Director and Party Secretary of Tu Du Hospital from 1975 to 1998, Dr. Chung brought joy to countless families, cared for pregnant women without support, young girls who had gone astray, and abandoned disabled children. Her generosity extended not only to the hospital, where she spent more than half her life, but also to her hometown of Ben Tre.

Ms. Ta Thi Chung (fifth from the left) with sponsors supporting poor women and patients in Ben Tre. Photo: HBT

Ms. Ta Thi Chung (far left) at the 25th anniversary celebration of the Vietnam-Japan Children's Aid Association (SCVA) humanitarian activities in Ben Tre province (1990-2015). Photo: HBT

For example, General Le Van Dung (Nguyen Van Noi), a civilian general, hails from Phong Nam commune, Giong Trom district. General Le Van Dung is one of 14 military personnel promoted to the rank of General since the founding of the Vietnam People's Army. In 2007, he edited the book "Ben Tre Uprising Heroic," published on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Ben Tre Uprising (January 17, 1960 - January 17, 2010). This book served as a monument to honor the contributions and sacrifices of the army and people of Ben Tre during the 1960 Uprising. In 2011, after retiring, the General returned to his hometown and participated in social work for his comrades. He dedicated time to visiting the families of former comrades facing difficulties and mobilized resources from individuals and businesses to help build more than 1,000 houses of gratitude and houses for comrades in various localities in the province.

General Le Van Dung at the awarding ceremony for the title "Outstanding Citizen of Dong Khoi" in 2022. Photo: Huu Hiep

And many politicians, businessmen, and scientists who are "Dong Khoi Citizens" and "Honorary Dong Khoi Citizens" have, on their path to success, always maintained a deep affection for their homeland, the land of coconuts, and made many contributions to its people.

Mr. Huynh Van Cam - Chairman of the Ben Tre Provincial Association for the Support of Poor Patients - presents certificates of appreciation to sponsors who have supported the Association over the years. Photo: HBT

Through three recognition and honoring ceremonies, Ben Tre province has 18 "Dong Khoi Citizens" and 11 "Honorary Dong Khoi Citizens". From humble beginnings, these "Dong Khoi Citizens" and "Honorary Dong Khoi Citizens" have made significant contributions and achieved remarkable feats, becoming great icons in the hearts of the people of Ben Tre. They all seem to share a common starting point: "having witnessed and felt the pain of the people."

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Content: Thach Thao

Design: My Hanh

Source link: https://baodongkhoi.vn/van-hoa/doi-song/tam-long-cong-dan-dong-khoi-a114058.html