Professor, People's Teacher Dinh Xuan Lam - a great name in Vietnamese history - has devoted his entire life to teaching and researching history. Since graduating from the Faculty of Literature and Pedagogy University in 1956, he has devoted his entire life to the Faculty of History, Hanoi National University (now the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi), passing on his passion and responsibility to many generations of students.
Sharing about his father, Mr. Dinh Xuan Tho - the eldest son of the late professor, Chairman of the Dinh Xuan Lam History Foundation - emotionally recalled: In many conversations, my father confided that with 70 years of teaching, 60 years of being attached to history, he understood the hardships that young lecturers and researchers had to face when choosing the path of researching and teaching this subject. Therefore, he wished to establish a scholarship fund to support the next generation, encourage the passion for history, and contribute to promoting the history of our country".
To fulfill that wish, right 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 many of his students. Every year, the Foundation awards prizes to students, masters, doctors and young researchers with outstanding achievements in the field of history. From the initial scale limited to universities from Hue and beyond, by 2024, the award has expanded nationwide.
Impressive numbers after 8 years of operation (2017 - 2024) demonstrate the influence of the award: 222 applications from 12 training institutions nationwide; 152 awards were given, including: 104 excellent students; 24 potential masters; 20 doctors with meaningful research works; 4 outstanding historical research works.
Professor Dinh Xuan Lam once said: “If there is an afterlife, if I could choose a career again, I would still choose teaching”. That is not only an affirmation but also a testament to his love, dedication and belief in the path he has chosen. And that is also the reason why the Dinh Xuan Lam History Fund is not only an award but also a torch to light the way, fueling the passion for young people to continue their journey of researching and teaching history – a challenging but also very glorious field.
From early morning, the first floor hall of Building E, University of Social Sciences and Humanities welcomed many generations of scientists and students to admire and commemorate the "Masters" - those who laid the foundation and developed the "General History" school, including Professor, People's Teacher Dinh Xuan Lam - an exemplary and respected teacher.
The seminar took place in an emotional atmosphere, filled with teacher-student affection. From students who were directly taught and guided by the Teacher to generations who only knew the Teacher through textbooks and research works - all expressed their deep gratitude. Associate Professor, Dr. Ta Thi Thuy emotionally shared: “Professor Dinh Xuan Lam is a noble person, a great teacher, his mark is deeply imprinted in all my research works. His assessments of historical figures, the Vietnamese revolution or the economy - society in the colonial period are always suggestive, comprehensive and profound.”
Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Nhat, former Director of the Institute of History, emphasized: "He not only has discoveries of fundamental value in historical research but also always respects historical truth and is ready to change his views when new data is available. He is a solid support for students in their research orientation."
Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Van Nhat shared at the seminar
Associate Professor Dr. Dinh Quang Hai, former Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Historical Research, affirmed: "With 92 articles in the Journal, Professor Dinh Xuan Lam not only provided direction but also contributed to correcting many controversial historical viewpoints. His research has strongly inspired and urged the younger generation to embark on the exploration of new knowledge."
Associate Professor, Dr. Dinh Quang Hai shared
In a solemn national costume, Associate Professor Dr. Bui Xuan Dinh arrived very early, standing silently in front of the commemorative photos of his teacher. "Although busy with teaching, research, and seminars, he always took the time to carefully read each article, give detailed comments, and write introductions for his students' works. Working with him, I have matured and become much more confident."
Prof. Dr. Do Quang Hung emphasized: "It is impossible to count the number of research works of students that Professor Dinh Xuan Lam has read, commented on and written introductions for. His introductions not only have academic value but are also a valuable source of encouragement, helping the next generation to be confident on the path of historical research". In 1988, when he was awarded the title of People's Teacher, Professor Dinh Xuan Lam said: "The priceless medal for me is the generations of students - those I have helped train, the generations that have made and are making useful contributions to society in many fields".
Historian Duong Trung Quoc (General Secretary of the Vietnam Historical Science Association), although he did not directly study with Professor Dinh Xuan Lam, had the opportunity to work with him. He shared: “He is always persistent and dedicated to all the work of the Vietnam Historical Society. His deep voice and convincing way of speaking are especially attractive when referring to 'sensitive' historical issues that are still controversial.”
Historian Duong Trung Quoc shared his profound memories of Teacher Dinh Xuan Lam.
Professor Vu Duong Ninh, one of the first students of the Master, recalled: “The first time I heard the Master lecture, I was captivated by his bright eyes, inspiring voice and profound knowledge. It was he who instilled in me a passion for history, helping me to steadfastly pursue this path throughout my life.”
At his old age, Professor Vu Duong Ninh still remembers the first lesson he heard from Mr. Dinh Xuan Lam nearly 70 years ago.
The celebration and discussion, organized by the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in collaboration with the Vietnam Historical Science Association, was not only an opportunity to pay tribute to a great teacher but also a testament to the strong teacher-student relationship. Dr. Dang Phuong Lan, the eldest daughter-in-law of the Professor and Co-Chairwoman of the Dinh Xuan Lam History Foundation, emotionally shared: “Our family always cherishes everyone’s affection for my father and will continue to accompany us to spread his legacy, especially in developing the Dinh Xuan Lam History Foundation.”
Doctor Dang Phuong Lan expressed her emotion at the affection of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, the Faculty of History, the Vietnam Historical Science Association and generations of students for 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 photos about the life, career and contributions of Professor Dinh Xuan Lam - a devoted teacher, excellent scientist and inspiration for many generations of Vietnamese historians.
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