Culture is the soul of a nation.

The book "Building an Advanced Vietnamese Culture Rich in National Identity" by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong contains many articles and speeches discussing the position and role of culture in the development of the nation and people, affirming that "Culture is the soul of the nation," and "As long as culture exists, the nation exists"... This ideology summarizes the historical lessons of the nation throughout the process of nation-building and national defense, and continues to be inherited and promoted in the present period.

Throughout the long history of nation-building and national defense, the Vietnamese people have accumulated many unique cultural values and identities, forming the soul of the nation.

The Cao Lan ethnic people in Quang Yen commune (Song Lo district) always preserve the beautiful traditional cultural features of their ethnic group in modern life. Photo: Kim Ly

Culture is the source of a nation's inherent strength. History has proven that "As long as culture exists, the nation exists." Vietnam – a country with limited land, a small population, and a struggling economy , frequently facing natural disasters and foreign invasions – has, with the spirit of "Using righteousness to overcome brutality / Using humanity to replace tyranny" of a nation "long-established in its civilization," achieved glorious victories in the fight against foreign invaders, thwarting all attempts at cultural assimilation, and firmly defending the borders and territory of the Fatherland.

Culture reflects the identity, character, and spirit of the Vietnamese people; it embodies the enduring values and essence of the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam, with their noble qualities, fervent patriotism, self-reliance, national strength, solidarity, community consciousness connecting individuals, families, villages, and the nation, compassion, tolerance, generosity, respect for righteousness and morality, diligence, creativity in labor, subtlety in conduct, and simplicity in lifestyle (excerpt from the book "Building an Advanced Vietnamese Culture Rich in National Identity" by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong).

At the 2021 National Cultural Conference, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong emphasized the need to continue building, preserving, and developing an advanced Vietnamese culture rich in national identity, considering culture as truly the "spiritual foundation," the "driving force for development," and the "guiding light for the nation."

The General Secretary urgently requested the development of national values, cultural values, family values, and standards for Vietnamese people in the new era: patriotism, solidarity, self-reliance, self-strength, compassion, honesty, responsibility, discipline, creativity…

These are the fine, exemplary, and core values, inherited and developed from the national tradition, on the foundation of Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought through the Party's congresses.

Members of the Soọng Cô singing club in Minh Quang commune (Tam Đảo district) teach traditional Sán Dìu ethnic songs to the younger generation. Photo: Kim Ly

Following the directives of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and the Party and State on building an advanced Vietnamese culture imbued with national cultural identity, Vinh Phuc province has, over the years, issued many mechanisms and policies aimed at preserving and promoting the fine traditional cultural values of the nation.

The province is focused on mobilizing resources to invest in the restoration and preservation of historical and cultural relics in the area. Intangible cultural heritage, customs, traditions, festivals, performing arts, folk songs, and folk dances are preserved and promoted.

The province provides financial support to artisans in the field of intangible cultural heritage to preserve and pass on national cultural heritage. Artifacts, antiques, and national treasures of the province are collected, preserved, and displayed at the Provincial Museum.

The provincial Confucian Temple and Museum contribute to educating the younger generation about the tradition of studiousness, patriotism, national pride, and the will and aspirations to excel.

Cultural and artistic activities vividly reflect the realities of life with a spirit of creativity and innovation, guiding people towards the values of truth, goodness, and beauty.

Moral values in traditional families are highly regarded. Many exemplary individuals in the patriotic emulation movement are recognized, contributing to the spread of positive cultural values in social life and strengthening the people's confidence in the cause of building and defending the Fatherland.

Facing new opportunities and challenges in the era of national integration and development, together with the people of the whole country, the people of Vinh Phuc continue to build, preserve, and develop an advanced culture rich in national identity according to the guidance and direction of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, the Party, and the State, promoting the cultural values and strength of the Vietnamese people, and arousing the aspiration to build and develop a prosperous and thriving country, standing shoulder to shoulder with the great powers of the world.

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