Hanoi takes pride in Nguyen Dinh Thi

The Hanoi Party Committee this week hosted a seminar on Nguyen Dinh Thi's cultural heritage on the 100th anniversary of the author's birth (December 20, 1924–2024).

At the event, scholars and researchers shared the view that Nguyen Dinh Thi was a multi-talented artist who excelled in many fields, from poetry, novels, theory, philosophical research, theater, and music. In particular, he left behind a wealth of excellent works on Hanoi, according to experts and researchers at the event.

According to Nguyen Van Phong, Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, Hanoi is proud to be the place where the talents and intellectual quintessence of the whole country are gathered, the cradle that nurtures and nourishes the souls of generations of cultural figures and artists throughout the nation's history.

Phong affirmed that Hanoi values the great contributions of cultural figures and artists, among them the great cultural figure Nguyen Dinh Thi and his outstanding contributions to the country and Hanoi.

Standing Deputy Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Nguyen Van Phong speaks at the workshop. Photo: Quang Thai/The Hanoi Times

In light of today's intense international integration, Phong expressed his hope that Hanoi will have numerous opportunities soon to collaborate with central agencies, culturalists, scientists, and researchers to plan a variety of cultural events that will affirm the nation's timeless cultural values and the issues brought up for the capital's and the nation's cultural development.

Nguyen Dinh Thi has made significant and distinctive contributions to critical theory, philosophy, theater, music, film, literary creation and study, and cultural diplomacy, said Nguyen The Ky, Chairman of the Central Council for Theory and Criticism of  Literature and Art. He also excelled in his role as a leader and regulator of culture and the arts with his keen intellect, vast knowledge, and seamless, refined, and persuasive techniques.

Proof of Nguyen Dinh Thi's great, unique, and multifaceted contributions to the country's art and literature are his typical works such as "Into the Fire", "High Front", "Country", "Hatred", and "Hanoi People", one of the most famous songs of Hanoi.

Head of the Party's Communication and Education Commission Nguyen Trong Nghia (center) browses literary books by Nguyen Dinh Thi. Photo: Viet Thanh/The Hanoi Times

According to Chairman Ky, Nguyen Dinh Thi was a talented cultural and artistic leader in addition to his prolific career in literary and artistic composition and cultural creation. He helped the Party and the State to build, supplement, and refine the cultural and artistic guidelines during the resistance wars and national construction.

"In his leadership role, he not only guided but also helped shape the strategy for cultural and artistic development appropriate to each historical period, from the period of resistance against the French and Americans to the renovation time," Ky said.

Nguyen Trong Nghia, Politburo member and Head of the Party's Commission for Communication and Education said Nguyen Dinh Thi has left us a great, rich cultural and artistic heritage with lasting vitality.

"The life of the artist and revolutionary activist Nguyen Dinh Thi is a shining example for the artists of today and tomorrow. He was an active role model who fought in the actual revolutionary struggle and was willing to use his skills and enthusiasm to support the noble cause of the Party, the Fatherland, and the people," Nghia said.

The poetry of Nguyen Dinh Thi has a very unique, modern, concise, and melodic style. He was a courageous writer who was always at the forefront of the nation's arduous but heroic resistance. Like many generations of artists who matured during the war of resistance against the French, Nguyen Dinh Thi soon used his pen as a weapon to fight for the cause of national liberation.

Beginning at the age of seventeen, he researched and studied Marxist philosophy in secret, published books about Western intellectual schools, and got involved in Viet Minh activities. From 1943, Nguyen Dinh Thi was directly in charge of the Independence newspaper and was an active member of the National Salvation Cultural Association, which he founded with fervent patriotism and noble ideals.

Based on Nguyen Dinh Thi's life and career, Nghia said he hopes Vietnamese artists will continue to learn and draw inspiration from past generations to remain committed, unwavering, and constantly improving in pursuit of their artistic goals.