The stature of a master

Hundreds of scientists attended the Exhibition and Seminar commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of Professor Dinh Xuan Lam, jointly organized last week by the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH - Vietnam National University, Hanoi) and the Vietnam Historical Science Association. The event once again clearly revealed the portrait of a great scientist – one of the four historians honored as the "Legendary Four Pillars" of contemporary Vietnamese historiography: "Lam - Le - Tan - Vuong".

Professor, People's Teacher Dinh Xuan Lam.

A pillar of contemporary historiography

The "Four Pillars" of contemporary Vietnamese historiography, honored by the scientific community and generations of students, include: Professor Dinh Xuan Lam, Professor Phan Huy Le, Professor Ha Van Tan, and Professor Tran Quoc Vuong.

Among them, Professor Dinh Xuan Lam, born on February 4, 1925, hails from Ha Tinh province and comes from a family of officials of the Nguyen dynasty.

In late 1954, he was sent to Hanoi to study History and Geography at the Faculty of Literature, Hanoi Pedagogical University. After graduating in 1956, he was retained as a lecturer in History at Hanoi University (now the University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Vietnam National University, Hanoi) and worked there until his retirement (in 1990).

Hundreds of scientists present at the scientific seminar on Professor Dinh Xuan Lam recalled the contributions of a great teacher who helped create a school of historiography – the University school: the positivist school of historiography.

For over half a century of teaching and scientific research (including after retirement), he remained deeply committed to the field of History, leaving a profound impression on the memories of his colleagues and students through his lectures on History.

Professor Dinh Xuan Lam famously said about the teaching profession, which he considered truly noble: "If there is a next life, I would still choose to be a teacher."

The "Four Pillars" of contemporary Vietnamese historiography: Professor Tran Quoc Vuong - Professor Dinh Xuan Lam - Professor Ha Van Tan - Professor Phan Huy Le (back row, from left) with Professor Tran Van Giau and his wife in 1996. Photo: Family archives.

500 monumental research projects and thousands of talented students.

In his speech commemorating the 100th anniversary of Professor Dinh Xuan Lam's birth, Professor Hoang Anh Tuan, Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, affirmed: "With over 90 years of life, 70 years dedicated to the cause of educating people, and over 60 years of scientific research, Professor Dinh Xuan Lam has left behind an immense legacy: more than 500 research works on modern Vietnamese history, and thousands of talented students who have made and are making significant contributions to the country's education and science."

According to Professor Hoang Anh Tuan, the professor's influence is not limited to the Vietnamese academic community, but also extends to the international academic community. His research not only has historical value but also opens up new directions for young researchers.

Professor Nguyen Van Khanh, former Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, emphasized: "Professor Dinh Xuan Lam is an exemplary figure of scientific spirit, perseverance, creativity, and critical thinking. He was not afraid to change his perspective when approaching new methods and unexplored materials."

Recalling their teacher, many historians have expressed their gratitude and admiration. As one of his first students, Professor Vu Duong Ninh recounted: “From the first lecture I heard from him, I was captivated by his bright eyes, expressive voice, and profound knowledge. He instilled in me a passion for history, helping me to steadfastly pursue this path throughout my life.” Associate Professor Ta Thi Thuy added: “Professor Dinh Xuan Lam was a noble person, a great teacher; his influence is deeply imprinted on all my research. His assessments of historical figures, the Vietnamese revolution, and the socio-economic situation during the colonial period were always insightful, comprehensive, and profound.”

According to Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Nhat, former Director of the Institute of History: “Professor Dinh Xuan Lam not only made groundbreaking discoveries in historical research but also always respected historical truth and was willing to change his views when new data became available. He was a solid support for his students in their research orientation.” Associate Professor Dr. Dinh Quang Hai, former Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Historical Research, affirmed: “With 92 articles in the Journal, Professor Dinh Xuan Lam not only provided guidance but also contributed to adjusting many controversial historical viewpoints. His research has strongly inspired and motivated the younger generation to explore new knowledge.”

The Dinh Xuan Lam History Foundation - continuing to ignite the passion for history.

In 2017, shortly after Professor Dinh Xuan Lam's passing, the Dinh Xuan Lam History Foundation was established in accordance with his last wishes. According to Mr. Dinh Xuan Tho, the eldest son of the late Professor Dinh Xuan Lam and currently the Chairman of the Foundation, the foundation was created because the late scholar, a genuine and humble scientist, was deeply connected to history and understood the hardships faced by young lecturers and researchers when choosing to study and teach this subject. Therefore, he aspired to establish a scholarship fund to support the next generation, encourage a passion for history, and contribute to the advancement of history in Vietnam.

Since its inception, the Foundation has annually awarded prizes to outstanding students, master's degree holders, doctoral candidates, and young researchers in the field of history. Initially limited to universities from Hue northward, the award expanded nationwide in 2024.

The impressive figures after 8 years of operation (2017 – 2024) demonstrate the widespread impact of the award: 222 applications from 12 training institutions nationwide; 152 awards presented, including: 104 outstanding students; 24 promising master's students; 20 doctoral students with meaningful research works; and 4 outstanding historical research works.

The History Foundation named after the esteemed Professor has continued to ignite the flame of scientific passion and also demonstrates his broad-minded desire to train the younger generation, not only during his lifetime but even after his passing. Professor Do Quang Hung stated that, during his lifetime, Professor Dinh Xuan Lam devoted much effort to writing introductions for numerous research works by generations of his students: “It is impossible to count the research works of my students that Professor Dinh Xuan Lam read, commented on, and wrote introductions for. His introductions not only have academic value but also serve as a precious source of encouragement, helping future generations to confidently pursue their historical research.”

In 1988, upon being awarded the title of People's Teacher, Professor Dinh Xuan Lam said: "The most priceless medal for me is the generations of students – those I have helped to train, those generations who have made and are making useful contributions to society in many fields."

Source: https://daidoanket.vn/100-nam-ngay-sinh-gs-ngnd-dinh-xuan-lam-tam-voc-mot-bac-su-bieu-10300793.html