Scientist Le Quy Don: Affirming the position of Vietnamese culture and intelligence

The conference on celebrity Le Quy Don and promoting culture and tourism of Thai Binh province in Paris (France) was a great success.

World-class stature

UNESCO's recognition of scholar Le Quy Don is an event of special significance. This is the first time a scholar of the feudal period of Vietnam has been recognized internationally as a global cultural celebrity. French scholars highly appreciate Le Quy Don as a bibliographer, historical-geographical researcher and outstanding scholar of 18th-century Vietnam. Many international research projects are currently continuing to exploit his thoughts and works. Professor, Doctor Nguyen Van Kim, Vice Chairman of the National Council for Cultural Heritage, member of the World UNESCO Committee, commented: Le Quy Don's works are not only outstanding academic works of Vietnam but also reflect an enlightened vision, encompassing all the highest knowledge of the era. From culture, education, philosophy to society, history, all are discussed deeply by him. In particular, his works such as Kien Van Tieu Luc, Phu Bien Tap Luc, Van Dai Loai Ngu, Dai Viet Thong Su... not only have academic value but are also national cultural heritages recognized by international friends.

On the day the UNESCO Executive Board approved the Recommendation Decision, in Paris, the delegation of Thai Binh province successfully organized a conference to introduce the cultural celebrity Le Quy Don, combining cultural promotion and tourism promotion in Thai Binh. According to Mr. Dinh Ba Khai, Vice Chairman of Hung Ha District People's Committee: The conference was successful, receiving deep attention from French scholars. Many new research projects on Le Quy Don are being implemented, with the proposal to integrate teaching content about this celebrity into the programs of some universities in France; encourage and spread the land and people of Thai Binh in general so that French travel agencies can cooperate with Vietnamese travel agencies to organize many tours to Thai Binh.

Comrade Pham Van Nghiem, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, shared: Aiming for a series of important activities in 2026, Thai Binh province is actively preparing a plan to coordinate with ministries and branches to organize the 300th anniversary of the birth of the famous Le Quy Don. This is not only an occasion to honor his life and career, but also an opportunity to promote local culture, attract investment, develop tourism and promote traditional education. Through the conference, Thai Binh expressed its desire to strengthen cooperation with French partners in the fields of culture, education, health, high-tech agriculture, new energy and tourism. The province is committed to creating favorable conditions for exchange activities, import and export of goods and international connections in the coming time. According to Mr. Dinh Toan Thang, Vietnamese Ambassador to France: UNESCO's honoring of the famous Le Quy Don will be an opportunity to widely promote the image of the land and people of Thai Binh in particular, and Vietnam in general, to international friends. At the same time, it also contributes to strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and France.

According to statistics, scholar Le Quy Don is the author of about 40 books of all kinds, an endless source of inspiration for today's and future generations.

Pride from Thai Binh homeland

Receiving the good news from UNESCO, officials and people of Thai Binh province expressed their excitement and pride when the local historical and cultural values ​​were honored at the international level. Mr. Le Quang Luat, representative of the Le family in Doc Lap commune (Hung Ha) emotionally shared: The family is very proud and has more motivation to educate their children and grandchildren to follow the example of Mr. Le Quy Don: studious, responsible living and making positive contributions to society. People of Doc Lap commune also feel the profound influence of the intellectual legacy left by the scholar. Mr. Dao Van Thin, Doc Lap commune (Hung Ha) confided: Born and raised in the hometown of scholar Le Quy Don, hearing the news that the scholar was honored by UNESCO, I was very excited and proud. He left behind a treasure trove of knowledge in all fields: agriculture, socio-culture, fisheries, geography, ... which still holds value today. We are still applying a lot of knowledge in our production life and in current economic development.

The UNESCO Executive Board's decision to recommend the UNESCO General Assembly to approve UNESCO's honoring and jointly celebrating the 300th anniversary of the birth of the famous Le Quy Don is not only a tribute, but also an affirmation of the cultural and intellectual position of Vietnam in the international arena. Over the years, the achievements and scientific career of the scholar Le Quy Don have been honored in many forms. Currently, Vietnam has 40 schools named after the famous Le Quy Don, of which Thai Binh province has 7 schools at all levels named after this great teacher. These schools are not only places to nurture knowledge, but also spiritual support, reminding the younger generation of his great example, arousing the desire to rise up through education. His name is also given to many streets, scientific awards, seminars, etc., demonstrating the widespread influence of a great celebrity with everlasting intellectual values. The relic cluster belonging to the Le Quy Don memorial site in Doc Lap commune was ranked as a national historical and cultural relic in 1986. Since then, this place has become not only a spiritual destination but also a place to educate the younger generation about historical and cultural traditions. The local government is actively restoring and embellishing, while promoting traditional education activities at the relic site. Mr. Dao Xuan Cuong, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Doc Lap commune, emphasized: With deep pride, the local Party Committee and government always identify their responsibility in preserving and promoting the precious heritage left by their ancestors. Propaganda and education activities for students associated with the memorial site will be promoted, thereby nurturing the ambition and aspiration to rise up in the younger generation.

The 18th century is considered the century of human enlightenment, witnessing the emergence of many outstanding scholars in the world. In Vietnam, Le Quy Don is the typical representative of that enlightenment ideology. Along with famous people such as Montesquieu of France or Lomonosov of Russia, he is the pride of East Asian culture and intelligence, affirming that Vietnam is not outside the progressive flow of humanity. UNESCO's honoring of Le Quy Don is not only symbolic, but also a worthy recognition of the contributions of Vietnamese culture and intelligence to the treasure of human knowledge. That is the foundation for Thai Binh in particular and Vietnam in general to continue to rise in the process of integration and sustainable development.

Ha My

Source: https://baothaibinh.com.vn/tin-tuc/19/221859/nha-bac-hoc-le-quy-don-khang-dinh-vi-the-van-hoa-va-tri-tue-viet-nam