The Gia Lai Provincial Association of the Blind had two authors awarded prizes: Mr. Nguyen Kim Bang (60 years old, Tuy Phuoc Dong commune) won second prize and Mr. Tran Trung Duc (19 years old, Ia Pa commune) received a consolation prize.
Continue writing your life story.
In his competition entry titled "The Hand of Light Continues to Draw Life," Mr. Nguyen Kim Bang recounts his journey from the darkness of despair to the rebirth of hope.
Born into a family with a rich revolutionary tradition, he was once an art teacher, spending many years teaching with a passion for painting and music . However, a traffic accident at the age of 50 caused him to permanently lose his sight. From someone who once taught students to appreciate the beauty of light and color, he fell into a dark abyss of self-doubt and despair.
“There were times when I thought my life was over. What meaning does it have for an art teacher if they can no longer see the light?” – Mr. Bang recalled.
Mr. Nguyen Kim Bang works at the The Tuan blind massage and acupressure facility (Quy Nhon Nam ward). Photo: NM
But it was also during that time that he met people in similar circumstances, and heard the story of President Ho Chi Minh's visit to the School for Blind War Veterans ( Hanoi ) in 1956, along with his sacred admonition: "War veterans may be disabled, but they are not useless."
"Those words awakened me. I understood that losing my sight doesn't mean losing the value of life. If I can't continue painting, I can still work and contribute in another way," he said.
With that belief, he learned massage and acupressure and worked at the The Tuan massage center for the blind (Quy Nhon Nam ward). He also participated in the work of the Association of the Blind, actively engaging in cultural and artistic activities and supporting members in need. The hands that once held brushes have now become therapeutic hands, helping others relieve pain and find relaxation.
Meanwhile, Tran Trung Duc presents the story of a young man who grew up in darkness but refused to let darkness dictate his fate. Suffering from a rare eye disease, Duc lost his sight.
There was a time when he couldn't go to school, enduring scornful stares and feelings of inferiority. But instead of giving up, Duc chose to learn Braille, computer skills, and gradually integrate into society.
“When I was eight years old, and asked, ‘Do you want to go to school?’, I immediately answered, ‘Yes.’ It wasn’t just an answer; it was a burning desire.”
"When I entered the Nhat Hong Center for the Blind (Ho Chi Minh City), it was like I was reborn. I had friends, teachers, and became a student, a person with dreams. I learned Braille, studied culture, and then learned to integrate. The first steps were difficult, but I didn't stop," Duc confided.
His relentless efforts have helped Duc achieve the title of outstanding student for many consecutive years, receive a full scholarship, and win second prize in the 2025 National Informatics Competition for the Visually Impaired. Duc also teaches informatics to other visually impaired children.
Light is not just in the eyes.
According to Duc, the biggest lesson he learned from Uncle Ho's teachings is not to allow himself to live a meaningless life. "Being disabled is something I couldn't choose, but whether I'm useless or not is something I can decide. I think as long as I'm still trying to learn and helping others, I'm still living a useful life," Duc said.
Tran Trung Duc constantly strives in his studies so that he can support himself and share the burden with his family. Photo: Provided by the interviewee.
For Mr. Bang, 10 years after the incident, what moved him most was not overcoming his own darkness, but realizing that life still offers many ways to continue "painting."
"The greatest value of a person lies not in physical perfection, but in a resilient spirit, daring to face and 'redraw' their own destiny. I can no longer see the light with my eyes, but I can feel it with my heart," Mr. Bang shared.
Ms. Mai Thi Bich Thu, Vice President of the Provincial Association of the Blind, said that the competition received a positive response from officials and members because it is not only a playground but also an opportunity for visually impaired people to reflect on their own journey of overcoming difficulties.
"The most valuable thing is not the prize, but the spirit of the members participating in the competition. Each entry is a true story, a journey of overcoming feelings of inferiority and self-doubt to live a meaningful life."
Through this, Uncle Ho's teaching, "Disabled but not useless," continues to spread through ordinary people who are full of willpower," Ms. Thu shared.
Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/toa-sang-nhung-tam-guong-tan-nhung-khong-phe-post588460.html
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