An international seminar titled "Writing about the Revolutionary War and the Image of Uncle Ho's Soldiers" brought together scholars, writers, and historical witnesses to discuss the revolutionary war and the portrayal of soldiers in literature.
The scientists chair the seminar. Photo: Thanh Duy
The event, co-organized by Hanoi National University of Education and the Military Literature and Arts Magazine, took place on October 4 at the university.
This seminar was part of a series of events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Vietnam People's Army, the 80th anniversary of the General Department of Politics’ traditional day, the 67th anniversary of the Army Literature Magazine's first issue, and the 73rd anniversary of Hanoi National University of Education.
It also aims to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Vietnamese Studies Department's establishment.
The organizing committee received a total of 168 summary reports, which led to the submission of 114 full papers from 162 scholars from Vietnam, Japan, Brunei, the Philippines, and South Korea.
In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Duc Son, President of Hanoi National University of Education, expressed hope that the seminar would enhance knowledge and foster learning among scientists, teachers, and students.
He added that while Vietnam has many historically significant events, the seminar aims to provide a deeper, more nuanced perspective on history and its relevance in contemporary literature.
Colonel and writer Nguyen Binh Phuong, Editor-in-Chief of the Military Literature Magazine, speaks at the event. Photo: Thanh Duy
At the conference, Colonel and writer Nguyen Binh Phuong, Editor-in-Chief of the Military Literature Magazine and Vice President of the Vietnam Writers' Association, reflected on Vietnam's historical struggles against formidable forces.
He noted that the nation has ultimately navigated the turbulent waters of history to enter the 21st century, with the courage of its people since the latter half of the 20th century embodied in the figure of Uncle Ho's soldiers.
“2024 marks the 80th anniversary of the Vietnam People's Army, a journey that, while not long, is filled with legends, hardships, sacrifices, and heroism,” he emphasized.
Colonel and writer Phuong asserted that writing about the revolutionary war and its soldiers is a moral obligation and responsibility for writers.
He added that a strong future cannot be built without the solid foundation of the past, and documenting the revolutionary struggle helps reinforce the nation’s historical resilience, thereby paving the way for a better future.
An overview of the seminar. Photo: Thanh Duy
“Artists have done an excellent job in this mission. Vietnam boasts a rich literary and artistic treasure centered around the theme of war, with Uncle Ho's soldiers at its core,” he said.
He further explained that the challenge now lies in analyzing and valuing this treasure, a complex endeavor that requires not only talent and knowledge but also the courage to explore different perspectives and respect diversity.
The seminar attracted scholars and critics from various universities and research institutions both domestically and internationally. Presentations examined the theme of the revolutionary war and the image of Uncle Ho's soldiers through the lens of Vietnam's struggle for independence and its current development strategies.
The discussions encompassed literary expressions and interpretations across various art forms, analyzing the revolutionary war and the soldier's portrayal. Researchers approached the topic from comparative and interdisciplinary perspectives, shedding light on the potential for further exploration of this theme, ultimately offering clearer insights into the identity and cultural essence of the Vietnamese people.
The organizing committee plans to edit the presentations and publish them as a widely distributed volume in the near future.
DO HUONG
VNQD