Soar from the traditional fulcrum

Prof. Dr. Vu Duong Ninh (Chairman of the School's Former Teachers Association):70 years of tradition like a source that flows forever…

Prof. Dr. People's Teacher Vu Duong Ninh

Looking back at the 70-year journey from the Faculty of Letters, Hanoi National University to the University of Social Sciences and Humanities today, what can we learn about the school's traditions? It can be summarized in the following points:

Outstanding and consistent throughout the school's existence and development ispatriotic tradition,ready to sacrifice for independence and unity, to protect sovereignty and territory. The first generation of professors of the University of Humanities, most of whom were patriotic intellectuals, followed the call of the Fatherland and the inspiration of Uncle Ho and devoted themselves to the cause of education and scientific research in two arduous and dangerous resistance wars to save the country. Following in the footsteps of their fathers and brothers, many generations of cadres and students in the 60s and 70s enthusiastically set out on the "Truong Son" journey to save the country, contributing to the liberation of the South and the unification of the country. That dedication and sacrifice, with the example of heroic martyrs such as Le Anh Xuan, Chu Cam Phong and many others, have built eternal monuments in the pride of generations of the University of Humanities today.

Discussion on 70 years of tradition of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities organized by the Association of Former Teachers of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities at the end of September 2015

As a major scientific institution of the country,the spirit of perseverance to reach scientific heightsbecome the thoughts and wishes of generations of teachers and students, and are a strong tradition of the school. The professors of the first generation and the following team of scientists have devoted all their intelligence and efforts to researching social and humanistic issues, leaving behind many famous works of theoretical and practical significance. It can be said that in every stage of the school's development, many important works have emerged, addressing issues related to the national cultural tradition as well as solving urgent problems arising in the country's development process. Those scientific products are a valuable asset contributing to the country's knowledge treasure, leaving behind lasting values.

Achieving the above two things is the result oftradition of inheritance and continuous connectionbetween generations of teachers and students. Over the past 70 years, students, researchers, and young lecturers have diligently researched the works of previous generations of scientists, both absorbing and continuing, and supplementing and improving many scientific arguments, gradually forming "waves of knowledge" that continue and develop continuously. The development of many long-standing faculties and departments in our school is a concrete result of the spirit of inheritance, continuous continuation, without interruption, without loss, creating very basic conditions for a long-term, endless scientific journey.

Since its establishment, especially since the time of Hanoi University, foreign relations have been focused on, mainly with major universities in socialist countries such as Lomonosov University, Beijing University, Humboldt University... When Doi Moi was implemented, the door to foreign relations opened wide, the school's international relations developed strongly, in addition to socialist partners, the school and its faculties quickly opened contacts with universities in France, the US, Japan, Australia and many schools in Southeast Asia. Up to now, the number of countries and schools having relations with our school has increased dramatically. That creates a unique feature.tradition of international integration,bringing results in many fields of training, research, scientific exchange... Of particular interest is the publication of scientific works by our school's authors in prestigious international journals, which is encouraged and has attracted initial results. It is very clear that today, international integration is an essential requirement to create very important intellectual resources for the development of social sciences and humanities in our country.

Finallyhumanistic tradition,As the name of the school suggests, 70 years of existence and development have left a deep impression on the human relationship between teachers and students, between generations, between the school and society. Therefore, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities has gained the trust of society, not only in terms of academic content but also in terms of lifestyle, behavior in communication, in all relationships of life. It can be affirmed that it is the humanistic tradition that has created a healthy, pure educational environment and thereby led to success in promoting the above traditions.

Associate Professor Nguyen Xuan Luong (former Secretary of Hanoi University of Science):Trang Duong - Van Tho: unforgettable memories!

Meritorious Teacher Nguyen Xuan Luong (left)

In 1965, the American invaders sent troops en masse into the South and waged a destructive war in the North. I was ordered by the Board of Directors and the Faculty Committee (Faculty of Literature, Hanoi University of Science) to go on a reconnaissance mission to the evacuation area in Van Tho commune, Dai Tu (Thai Nguyen). The location assigned by the University for the two faculties of Literature and History was in Van Tho commune. The Faculty of History was in Chua hamlet, the Faculty of Literature was in the two cooperatives of Thong Nhat and Trang Duong. To ensure secrecy, the evacuation area was called Area B, with the code T04-E, T04 being the University of Science, E being the Faculty of Literature. The commune cadres led us to each house to mobilize people to borrow accommodation for the cadres and every family was willing to help.

Along with finding a place to live, I signed a contract with two cooperatives to build classrooms, a kitchen, and a library. Accordingly, the cooperative took wood to carve the house frame, while the roofing and plastering were done by students and faculty staff.

After a few weeks, the majority of the staff and students moved to the evacuation area by train, car, bicycle and on foot. Our staff stayed at local people's houses and were warmly welcomed and helped.

To urgently build classrooms, the Faculty quickly mobilized several classes of students to participate in the construction. Thousands and tens of thousands of thatch panels were needed to roof the houses. Despite extremely poor food and drink, every day, groups of students still crossed the pass, climbed Trang Duong slope, and went through the forest to cut bamboo to make thatch. The class had the initiative to set a competition target for the number of thatches for each person, thanks to which, after a short time, there was enough supply for the construction. The Faculty built 4 classrooms and 1 library. The classrooms were designed in an air defense style, half submerged, half above ground, surrounded by mounds, half roofs, thatched walls, straw mixed with soil, and shabby wooden and bamboo tables and chairs. The entire Faculty had 5 kitchens, 1 staff kitchen and 4 student kitchens. To improve meals, the department asked the cooperative for a piece of land to raise pigs.

After a period of preparing facilities, on October 15, 1965, the Faculty of Literature and other faculties entered the first new school year in Van Tho. Teaching and learning gradually became routine. Department groups regularly discussed topics and organized seminars. Scientific research, internships, practical work, and fieldwork were also promoted. The Language Group sent staff and students to Hoa An (Cao Bang) to study in the field; organized for second and third year students to investigate the Tay and Nung forests. The Folklore Group, under the direction of Mr. Vo Quang Nhon and a number of staff, went to collect Roi singing - Tay folk songs in Quoc Tuan commune.

During the war, travel was difficult, but the Faculty invited famous writers and poets such as Nguyen Dinh Thi, Hoang Trung Thong, Nguyen Hong, Xuan Dieu, Huy Can to talk and interact with students. Those talks left a deep impression on staff and students.

In early 1969, the US imperialists declared an unconditional end to bombing the North. The Faculty of Literature at Hanoi University moved from Van Tho, Trang Duong to Hanoi. After that, Koa was evacuated three times to Ung Hoa, Ha Tay; to Hiep Hoa, Ha Bac, then to La Khe, La Noi.

After more than 4 years living in the mountains and forests of Van Tho - Trang Duong, with many hardships and difficulties, the teachers and students of the Faculty of Literature still steadfastly overcame many challenges, overcame all difficulties and fulfilled their political tasks.

Memories of the years living in the Trang Duong forest are still imprinted in the minds of the staff and students of the Faculty of Literature. I borrow the words of a poem written by student Le Thong while fighting in the Southern battlefield to recall memories of Trang Duong:

Now I go all over Truong Son mountain range

Remember the slope full of sim and bamboo

And the memory of Trang Duong turned into fire

Still burning in my heart.

On the path of development ahead, I firmly believe that with the leadership of Vietnam National University, Hanoi, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, the solidarity, dynamism and creativity of generations of staff and students, the two faculties of Literature and Language will overcome challenges, shine even brighter with their mettle and intelligence, worthy of their position as the leading research center in social sciences and humanities of the whole country.

Associate Professor, Meritorious Student Vuong Dinh Quyen (former Deputy Head of the Department of History):Training quality makes the brand of the Faculty of History!

Associate Professor, Meritorious Professor Vuong Dinh Quyen speaks at the 70-year tradition seminar

I was a student of the 9th class of the Faculty of History, Hanoi University of Science, entering the school in 1964 and graduating in 1968. After that, I was retained as a lecturer in the Department of Archival Studies. In 1996, the Department of Archival Studies of the Faculty of History was separated to form the Department of Archival Studies and Office Management, and I moved there to work until 2001 when I retired.

With 32 years of attachment to the Faculty of History, being trained and working here, I always consider myself a member of the Faculty of History. I have a deep impression of the Faculty of History in many aspects, but today I will only speak about my impression of the training quality of the Faculty of History.

The Faculty of History was one of the most important training centers in the country for historical science. At that time, in addition to the main subjects and majors such as Vietnamese History, Ethnology, Archaeology, Historical Methodology, for a while, they also trained in Archival Studies, Museum Studies, and Library Studies. By 1993, the Faculty of History had trained over 3,000 students. Students of the Faculty of History, in addition to researching and training in History, were also assigned to work in many press agencies, propaganda agencies, Party work, political work, etc. A common characteristic was that students of the Faculty of History, whether assigned to the right profession or not, within a certain period of time, grasped the work they were doing and it can be said that the majority did other jobs well.

For example, in science, there are many cadres who were students of the History Department and later became scientists and good experts in the field of History. In addition, many people are successful in other fields such as members of the Politburo, some are members of the Party Central Committee, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, provincial chairmen, provincial party secretaries, district chairmen, district party secretaries, directors of cultural departments, etc.

A question arises: why can the Faculty of History train such qualified and mature cadres who make such contributions to society?

Discussing this with friends and colleagues, almost everyone has the same answer: During their time studying at the faculty, students are trained systematically by a team of staff with extensive knowledge and a high sense of responsibility for their work and for the career of training staff. Teachers do not "cram" knowledge into students but impart and teach basic knowledge and require students to read books and research documents to grasp knowledge systematically.

Speaking of the teaching staff, the Faculty of History is very famous for having 4 legendary professors: "Lam - Le - Tan - Vuong", but at the same time, there are many generations of talented, virtuous and brave staff such as: Professor Phan Huu Dat, Professor Le Ngoc Hoang, Professor Ho Tran Linh, Professor Pham Thi Tam... and many others, and it is this team that makes a Faculty of History with comprehensive training quality, a heroic Faculty of History.

The whole faculty has only one library, but students have to travel miles to read reference materials. Many subjects are regularly discussed in class. Exams are organized very seriously and internships are also given great attention.

For example, when we went on an archaeological internship, Mr. Ha Van Tan and Mr. Tran Quoc Vuong went with us for a whole month in Phu Tho to directly guide us. Mr. Giang Huy Van assigned me to prepare a presentation on a topic related to the reform issue. He guided us on how to choose books, documents, and what issues to pay attention to in those documents... After discussing, he also summarized closely, which can help students have good learning methods. The attention of the faculty and the training methods of the faculty helped us to grow up.

Until now, we, the former students of the Faculty of History, still meet every year to chat. We are extremely grateful to the teachers, the Faculty of History and the School for training and educating us to become good people. Thanks to that, we have grown up, found our own path and contributed more or less to our profession and to society.

The training identity of the Faculty is a fine, unmistakable tradition, creating the brand of the Faculty of History, of Hanoi National University. I really hope that the University of Social Sciences and Humanities today will continue to inherit and promote that fine training tradition.

Associate Professor, People's Teacher Le Mau Han:Proud to study and contribute under the roof of Ho Chi Minh University

Associate Professor, People's Teacher Le Mau Han speaks at the seminar

President Ho Chi Minh pointed out: to maintain independence and freedom, we must strongly promote national motivation on the foundation of a new regime and new people.Resistance must go hand in hand with nation building. To build a nation, we must have talented people.Under French colonial rule, more than 90% of our people were illiterate. Talents in the country were also very rare.

The Government, especially President Ho Chi Minh, attached great importance to the task of university education to train talents to serve the resistance war and national construction. The Government decided that on the basis of inheriting and reforming the old universities and colleges opened by the French in Hanoi, we had just won the right to control and develop a number of new universities to create a democratic national university and college education system for an independent and free Vietnam. The meetings of the Government Council on September 22, October 4, October 8, October 31 and November 8, 1945, continuously discussed the policy of opening old universities and colleges and establishing new universities.

In the French colonial university system, the University of Letters (Social Sciences and Humanities) was not established. With a correct vision of the important role of social sciences and humanities in the social life of an independent nation, on October 10, 1945, President Ho Chi Minh signed Decree No. 45/SL to establishFaculty of Artsin Hanoi, directed by Professor Dang Thai Mai, a revolutionary scholar with profound knowledge of ancient and modern cultures, East and West.

President Ho Chi Minh's decision to establish the University of Letters under Decree No. 45/SL dated October 10, 1945 wasa major eventmarking a historical milestone in the establishment of the University of Humanities, now the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam.

Implementing the Government's policy, on November 15, 1945, at the Indochina University campus at 19 Le Thanh Tong, Hanoi, the opening ceremony of the first course of the Vietnam University under the democratic republic regime was held. President Ho Chi Minh presided over the ceremony, and a number of international guests also attended. Director of the University Affairs Nguyen Van Huyen delivered the opening speech. Minister of National Education Vu Dinh Hoe presented the tasks of the Vietnam University in the new period.

The birth of Vietnamese universities right after the successful August Revolution brought professors and students of universities at that time deep pride in a university of an independent and free Vietnam and was a great motivation for professors and students to raise their determination to build a national university and be ready to enter the extremely arduous challenge of the resistance war and nation building.

With that meaning, the opening ceremony on November 15, 1945 wasopening a new erafor Vietnamese universities.

The University of Social Sciences and Humanities is the continuation and development to a new step of the tradition of the University of Literature founded by Ho Chi Minh on October 10, 1945, of the Faculty of Literature, the Faculty of History and other faculties of social sciences established in the following years.

Looking back at the process of establishment, development and contribution of the University of Literature, now the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, to the cause of resistance and nation building, maintaining and developing the Democratic Republic, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, helps us clearly see the strategic vision of the role of social sciences and humanities in the political and social life of the country of President Ho Chi Minh.

Understanding the historical context in which the School was founded, the more wetWe are proud that we study and teach at the school founded by Ho Chi Minh - Ho Chi Minh school.