"Keeping the flame alive and passing it on" preserves and promotes national culture.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh meets with a delegation of village elders, community leaders, artisans, and influential figures - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

Attending the meeting were Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung, leaders of ministries, branches, and central agencies, and 128 village elders, community leaders, artisans, and prominent influential figures.

At the meeting, reporting on practical actions in preserving, protecting, and promoting national cultural values, the village elders, community leaders, and artisans expressed their joy that the Party and State pay attention and have many policies aimed at preserving and promoting national cultural identity, and building an advanced Vietnamese culture rich in national identity.

Village elders, community leaders, and artisans frankly reflected on the difficulties in preserving, maintaining, and promoting national cultural values; they hoped that the Party and State would continue to have policies, create better conditions, and promptly reward and encourage individuals and organizations who are dedicated and have contributed to preserving, transmitting, and promoting national cultural values.

The Prime Minister speaks at the meeting - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

Resources and soft power for national development

Speaking at the meeting, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh conveyed the warm greetings, best wishes for good health, heartfelt regards, and best wishes from General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong to the village elders, community leaders, artisans, and exemplary influential figures throughout the country.

The Prime Minister expressed his great joy and emotion at welcoming and meeting the village elders, community leaders, artisans, and influential figures among ethnic minority communities – those who have made significant contributions to the preservation, safeguarding, and promotion of the traditional cultural values ​​of our nation – on the occasion of the Day of Vietnamese Ethnic Cultures (April 19) and in commemoration of the great national holidays, as the whole country is enthusiastically and heroically looking forward to the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7, 1954 - May 7, 2024) and the 49th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2024).

The Prime Minister emphasized that the cultures of ethnic groups are not only the private property of each individual, region, homeland, or locality, but also the common property of the entire nation, the entire people, and all citizens. The cultures of Vietnam's ethnic groups are unified in diversity, and are a resource and soft power for the development of a strong and prosperous country. Each ethnic group preserves a precious cultural treasure, with a rich history and strong identity.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung delivers a speech - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

President Ho Chi Minh clearly stated: "Culture must guide the nation in achieving independence, self-reliance, and self-determination," and "Culture illuminates the path for the nation to follow." The Resolution of the 13th National Congress of the Party set the goal: "To develop well-rounded individuals and build an advanced Vietnamese culture imbued with national identity, so that Vietnamese culture and people truly become an intrinsic strength, a driving force for national development and defense."

At the National Cultural Conference (November 2021), General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong emphasized: "Culture is the soul of the nation, reflecting the national identity. As long as culture exists, the nation exists; when culture is lost, the nation is lost."

The Prime Minister affirmed that over the years, the Party and the State have always paid attention to and allocated many resources to building and developing culture, preserving and promoting the traditional cultural values ​​of ethnic groups, achieving many outstanding achievements.

Cultural products are becoming increasingly diverse and abundant, meeting the new and multifaceted demands of society; many traditional cultural values ​​and typical cultural heritages of ethnic communities are inherited, preserved, restored, and promoted to the highest possible extent; among them, many heritages of particularly outstanding value have been internationally recognized and inscribed.

Thousands of traditional festivals of ethnic minorities are encouraged, facilitated, and widely organized annually throughout the country, and are enthusiastically embraced, enjoyed, and supported by the people nationwide, so that they can continue to be promoted.

Representatives of village elders, community leaders, artisans, and influential figures express their opinions at the meeting - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

The grassroots cultural life and environment are developing healthily and civilly; many shining examples in the patriotic emulation movement and the "All people unite to build a cultured life" movement are praised and spread into social life, creating positive changes in building the Vietnamese human values ​​in the new era, consolidating the people's trust in the cause of building an advanced culture, rich in national identity, and building and developing the country.

The rapid and sustainable development of cultural products, festivals, heritage, and the cultural environment has contributed to promoting tourism as a key economic sector.

The Vietnam Ethnic Groups Cultural and Tourism Village, built and developed over the past 25 years (since 1999), has gradually become a "common home," a place for preserving, promoting, and spreading the traditional cultural values ​​of 54 ethnic groups, offering opportunities for domestic and international tourists, especially the younger generation, to experience the unique cultural values ​​of the Vietnamese people.

This year, activities commemorating the Day of Vietnamese Ethnic Cultures were organized in diverse, innovative, and effective forms, such as exchanges and learning experiences; promoting the cultural identity of ethnic groups; and exhibiting cultural products…

128 "flames" representing the great unity and dedication.

According to the Prime Minister, these achievements were made possible thanks to the close leadership of the Party, headed by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong - a leader who always pays attention to cultural development; the management of the State; the involvement of all levels, sectors, and localities, including the role of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism - the state management agency in the field of culture; the unity and active participation of the people and the business community; and the support of international friends.

"In particular, the role of 'keeping the flame alive' played by village elders, community leaders, artisans, and influential figures—exemplary role models and key personnel—has been crucial in actively participating and making significant contributions to poverty reduction, mobilizing ethnic minorities to preserve and promote cultural identity, good customs and traditions, eliminating outdated practices, eradicating superstition, acting as a bridge between Party committees, the government, and the people, actively contributing to building the grassroots political system, maintaining security and order, and strengthening national unity," the Prime Minister stated.

Among them, the 128 delegates attending the meeting are 128 exemplary "flames" of national unity – outstanding role models who, regardless of age, position, profession, or location, all shine with patriotism, responsibility, enthusiasm, dynamism, and creativity; representing the will, determination, and aspiration to excel and contribute to the development of culture and the nation.

The Prime Minister mentioned village elders, community leaders, and influential figures such as Mr. Hoang Chi Cot (Mong ethnic group, Cao Bang province), Mr. Nguyen Van Vien (Muong ethnic group, Ninh Binh province), and Mr. Dang Chi Quyet (Cham ethnic group, Ninh Thuan province) – individuals who consistently set a good example in implementing the Party's guidelines and policies, and the State's laws; actively mobilizing their people and educating their descendants within their families and communities to participate in protecting and promoting ethnic cultural values, building a new way of life, and creating culturally rich families and villages.

Elderly and respected figures from ethnic minority groups, such as Mr. Lo Van Lien (Cong ethnic group, Dien Bien province), Mr. Sin Van Doi (Mang ethnic group, Lai Chau province), and Mr. Ho Van Son (Chut ethnic group, Ha Tinh province)—those knowledgeable about ethnic culture—play a pivotal role in caring for the material and spiritual well-being of their people, acting as a bridge to convey their thoughts and aspirations to the authorities at all levels.

Regarding the proposals and recommendations of the delegates, the Prime Minister stated that the relevant agencies will listen, consider them, and will provide timely and effective solutions. - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

People's artisans and distinguished artisans, such as Mr. Lo Van La (Thai ethnic group, Son La province), Mr. Vi Van Sang (Khmu ethnic group, Yen Bai province), and Ms. Nguyen Thi Quynh (Kinh ethnic group, Bac Ninh province), have always been deeply committed to collecting, researching, preserving, compiling, and practicing the cultural heritage of their ethnic groups. They constantly ponder and seek ways to pass on and guide their descendants and younger generations.

"And there are many other shining examples, exemplary individuals who are tirelessly researching, creating, practicing, preserving, and promoting the traditional cultural values ​​of the nation, for the survival and development of the country," the Prime Minister stated, and on behalf of the Party and State leaders, acknowledged, commended, and warmly congratulated the important results and contributions that the village elders, community leaders, artisans, and influential figures nationwide, as well as the delegates present at the meeting, have achieved in the past.

The Prime Minister with village elders, community leaders, artisans, and influential figures - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

The Prime Minister stated that, alongside the achievements, we still have concerns and anxieties about numerous difficulties and challenges in the work of preserving and developing national culture. The trend of rural urbanization, along with the process of integration and interaction between cultures, has led to the erosion of many traditional cultural values ​​and identities of ethnic groups.

Many traditional cultural values, especially those of ethnic minorities, have not been adequately preserved and promoted. Many heritage sites have been damaged, and comprehensive solutions to promote the value of cultural heritage in socio-economic development and international integration have yet to be implemented.

The development of the cultural industry, linking and exploiting culture with tourism development, increasing economic value, and improving people's lives, has made significant progress but is still not truly effective and lacks groundbreaking approaches.

Non-cultural and anti-cultural manifestations still exist and are becoming increasingly complex, with a segment of the youth showing signs of distancing themselves from national cultural identity. The process of international integration also has negative impacts on preserving and promoting national cultural identity.

Further strengthen the role of "keeping the flame alive and passing it on".

The Prime Minister emphasized: Culture is the essence, the finest, the core of a nation, of society, and of each individual. Culture is national, scientific, and popular. Culture must be enjoyed, used as a driving force, and inspired by all citizens.

The Party and State of Vietnam have determined that culture must be placed on par with economics, politics, and society. Developing culture and building human resources are both the goal, the driving force, and the resource for development and the cause of reform. People are the subjects, holding a central position in the development strategy. Building happy and progressive families creates healthy and strong cells for society.

In the coming period, in order to effectively implement the Party's guidelines and policies, and the State's laws on cultural development and building Vietnamese people in the new era; and to further promote the role of "keeping the flame alive and passing it on" of village elders, community leaders, artisans, and influential people, the Prime Minister requested the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, other ministries, agencies, and localities to implement a number of key tasks.

The Prime Minister poses for a commemorative photo with village elders, community leaders, artisans, and influential figures - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

Firstly, continue to raise awareness, improve institutions, and promote democracy in cultural development; focus on training and fostering traditional cultural education, actively integrate traditional cultural themes into basic education programs at all levels; and encourage research and innovation in this field.

Secondly, we must mobilize all resources, especially public-private partnerships; encourage the active participation of the entire population and the business community in cultural development; and strongly promote the role of culture as an endogenous strength and an important driving force for national development.

Strongly develop cultural industries, encourage all forms of exploration, and respect creative freedom. Promote the organization of cultural activities, festivals, and community events to enhance awareness and pride in heritage.

Thirdly, we will continue to improve the investment and construction of the Vietnam Ethnic Groups Cultural and Tourism Village with appropriate management mechanisms, worthy of being the "common home" of the 54 ethnic groups.

Fourth, research, refine, and effectively implement preferential policies to encourage village elders, community leaders, artisans, and influential individuals to effectively implement the Party and State's policy of national unity.

Fifth, promote digital transformation and green transformation in cultural development; develop cultural infrastructure, and urgently address areas with poor electricity and signal coverage in remote areas, border regions, islands, and areas inhabited by ethnic minorities.

Sixth, strengthen international cooperation in preserving and promoting traditional cultural values, exchanging experiences and selectively absorbing cultural and civilizational values ​​from other cultures that are suitable to Vietnam's conditions. Promote the internationalization of national cultural values ​​and identity to the world and the nationalization of world cultural essence into Vietnam.

The Prime Minister stated that he deeply felt the passion, the desire to contribute, the will, and the tireless efforts of the delegates in the cause of preserving and developing the long-standing, rich, and distinctive traditional culture of our nation.

The Prime Minister hopes and believes that village elders, community leaders, artisans, and influential figures will continue to build upon their achievements, demonstrate greater determination, make greater efforts, and act more decisively; overcome all difficulties and challenges, constantly set a shining example for their descendants and the community, and truly be positive factors in preserving, promoting, and transmitting the tangible and intangible cultural values ​​of the nation.

At the same time, we must continue to do a good job of mobilizing people of all ethnic groups to promote the rich cultural values ​​of patriotism and revolution, uphold the spirit of self-reliance and self-strength, strengthen the great national unity, create motivation and inspire future generations to together beautify the advanced Vietnamese culture, rich in national identity, strongly unleash all resources, including cultural resources, and aspire to build a strong and prosperous country, where people are more prosperous and happy, worthy of the thousand-year-old cultural and heroic tradition of our nation.

Regarding the proposals and suggestions from the delegates, the Prime Minister stated that the relevant agencies would listen, consider them, and implement timely and effective solutions.

Source: https://kinhtedothi.vn/thu-tuong-giu-lua-va-truyen-lua-bao-ton-phat-huy-van-hoa-dan-toc.html