Professor and People's Teacher Dinh Xuan Lam – a prominent figure in Vietnamese historiography – dedicated his entire life to teaching and researching history. Since graduating from the Faculty of Literature at Hanoi University of Education in 1956, he remained committed to the History Department at Hanoi University (now the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi), instilling a passion and sense of responsibility in many generations of students.
Sharing about his father, Mr. Dinh Xuan Tho – the eldest son of the late Professor and Chairman of the Dinh Xuan Lam History Foundation – emotionally recalled: “In many conversations, my father confided that with 70 years of teaching and 60 years dedicated to history, he understood the hardships that young lecturers and researchers face when choosing the path of researching and teaching this subject. Therefore, he had the aspiration to establish a scholarship fund to support the next generation, encourage a passion for history, and contribute to promoting the country's historical scholarship.”
Fulfilling that wish, immediately after Professor Dinh Xuan Lam passed away in 2017, the Dinh Xuan Lam History Foundation was officially established with the support of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, the Faculty of History, his family, and numerous of his students. Each year, the Foundation awards prizes to outstanding students, master's and doctoral candidates, and young researchers with excellent achievements in the field of history. From its initial scope limited to universities from Hue northward, the award expanded nationwide by 2024.
The impressive figures after 8 years of operation (2017 – 2024) demonstrate the widespread impact of the award: 222 applications from 12 training institutions nationwide; 152 awards presented, including: 104 outstanding students; 24 promising master's students; 20 doctoral students with meaningful research works; and 4 outstanding historical research works.
Professor Dinh Xuan Lam once said, "If I had a next life and could choose my profession again, I would still choose teaching." This is not just an affirmation, but also a testament to his love, dedication, and belief in the path he has chosen. And that is precisely why the Dinh Xuan Lam History Foundation is not just an award, but also a guiding light, igniting the passion of young people to continue their journey of researching and teaching history – a field full of challenges but also great honor.
From early morning, the lobby on the first floor of Building E, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, welcomed a large number of scientists and students from many generations to admire and remember the "Master Teachers" - those who laid the foundation and developed the "Comprehensive Historiography" school of thought, including Professor Dinh Xuan Lam - a model and respected teacher.
The seminar took place in a moving atmosphere, filled with the deep bond between teacher and student. From students who had been directly taught and guided by Professor Dinh Xuan Lam to those who only knew him through textbooks and research works – all expressed their profound gratitude. Associate Professor Dr. Ta Thi Thuy emotionally shared: “Professor Dinh Xuan Lam is a noble person, a great teacher; his influence is deeply imprinted on all my research works. His assessments of historical figures, the Vietnamese revolution, or the socio-economic situation during the colonial period are always insightful, comprehensive, and profound.”
Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Nhat, former Director of the Institute of History, emphasized: "Professor Nguyen Van Nhat not only made groundbreaking discoveries in historical research but also always respected historical truth and was willing to change his views when new data became available. He was a solid support for his students in their research orientation."
Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Nhat shared his insights at the seminar.
Associate Professor Dr. Dinh Quang Hai, former Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Historical Studies, affirmed: “With 92 articles in the Journal, Professor Dinh Xuan Lam not only provided guidance but also contributed to correcting many controversial historical viewpoints. His research has strongly inspired and motivated the younger generation to explore new knowledge.”
Associate Professor Dr. Dinh Quang Hai shared:
Dressed in solemn traditional attire, Associate Professor Bui Xuan Dinh arrived very early, standing silently before commemorative photos of his teacher. “Despite being busy with teaching, research, and conferences, he always took the time to carefully read each article, provide meticulous feedback, and write introductions for his students' work. Working with him, I have grown and become much more confident.”
Professor Do Quang Hung emphasized: “It is impossible to count the research works of my students that Professor Dinh Xuan Lam has read, commented on, and written introductions for. His introductions not only have academic value but also serve as a precious source of encouragement, helping future generations to confidently pursue their studies in history.” In 1988, upon being awarded the title of People's Teacher, Professor Dinh Xuan Lam said: “The most invaluable medal for me is the generations of students – those I have helped to train, those generations who have made and are making useful contributions to society in many fields.”
Historian Duong Trung Quoc (Secretary General of the Vietnam Historical Science Association), although not a direct student of Professor Dinh Xuan Lam, had the opportunity to work with him and shared: “Professor Dinh Xuan Lam was always persistent and dedicated to all the work of the Vietnam Historical Science Association. His warm voice and persuasive way of expressing himself were particularly captivating when addressing 'sensitive' historical issues that were still subject to much debate.”
Historian Duong Trung Quoc shared his profound memories of Teacher Dinh Xuan Lam.
Professor Vu Duong Ninh, one of the professor's first students, recalled: "From the first lecture I heard from him, I was captivated by his bright eyes, expressive voice, and profound knowledge. He instilled in me a passion for history, helping me to steadfastly pursue this path throughout my life."
Despite his advanced age, Professor Vu Duong Ninh still vividly remembers his first lecture, given by Professor Dinh Xuan Lam nearly 70 years ago.
The commemorative ceremony and seminar, organized by the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in collaboration with the Vietnam Historical Science Association, was not only an occasion to pay tribute to a great teacher but also a testament to the enduring bond between teacher and student. Dr. Dang Phuong Lan, the eldest daughter-in-law of Professor Dinh Xuan Lam and Co-Chair of the Dinh Xuan Lam Historical Foundation, emotionally shared: “Our family always cherishes the affection everyone has shown for my father and will continue to work together to spread his legacy, especially to develop the Dinh Xuan Lam Historical Foundation.”
Dr. Dang Phuong Lan expressed her emotion at the affection shown by the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, the Faculty of History, the Vietnam Historical Science Association, and generations of students towards Professor Dinh Xuan Lam.
On this occasion, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, in collaboration with the Vietnam Historical Science Association, organized an exhibition of thousands of photographs about the life, career, and contributions of Professor Dinh Xuan Lam – a dedicated teacher, outstanding scientist, and an inspiration to generations of Vietnamese historians.
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