Professor Dinh Xuan Lam - a learned and dedicated teacher.

I will never forget the vivid image of my first lecture to Professor Dinh Xuan Lam on "The Can Vuong Movement" in the course on Modern Vietnamese History. It was a morning around October 1957, when we were in our second year studying History at Hanoi University.

Professor, People's Teacher Dinh Xuan Lam

At the lecture hall at 19 Le Thanh Tong Street (now the Nguy Nhu Kontom Auditorium), the professor entered the classroom, immediately attracting the students' attention – a young, tall, handsome teacher with a clear, resonant voice. He led us from the resistance movement against French colonial invasion, lingering on King Ham Nghi and the patriot Phan Dinh Phung, deeply analyzing the significance of the Can Vuong movement in the late 19th century. In just two lessons, he provided us with a fundamental understanding of the anti-invasion struggle, highlighting the image of a patriotic king who resolutely renounced his throne to defend independence and self-determination, but ultimately failed. That lesson instilled in me a passion for modern Vietnamese history, but unfortunately, due to future assignments, I ended up focusing on modern world history. But it was precisely that "modern" period that created many opportunities for me to learn from, ask questions of, and follow my teacher throughout my later scientific journey.

As one of the pioneers in laying the foundation for Marxist-level historical science, Professor Dinh Xuan Lam diligently collected documents and conducted field research to develop exemplary history textbooks, serving as a basis for many generations of students (Modern Vietnamese History, General Vietnamese History, etc.). He wrote, or co-wrote with colleagues, dozens of books and hundreds of research papers on the uprisings of modern-day leaders. Through these works, shining examples in history emerge, from patriotic kings Ham Nghi and Duy Tan to patriotic figures like Phan Dinh Phung, Ton That Thuyet, Phan Boi Chau, Phan Chau Trinh, and leaders of the Ba Dinh, Huong Khe, Bai Say, and Yen The uprisings. In the modern history period, Professor Dinh Xuan Lam also wrote many scientific works on Nguyen Ai Quoc/Ho Chi Minh, Le Hong Phong, Nguyen Van Cu, and many other revolutionary leaders. In particular, Professor Dinh Xuan Lam attended and chaired numerous scientific conferences, contributing to the accurate assessment of many historical events and figures from a revolutionary perspective. His active participation clarified many historical issues that had been obscured or inaccurate due to previous limitations in understanding and the prevailing circumstances. Now, under the light of modern scientific methodology, these issues are properly addressed, restoring historical fairness and justice. It can be said that Professor Dinh Xuan Lam, through his enthusiasm, effort, and intellect, made a significant contribution to this important work.

Professor Dinh Xuan Lam, People's Teacher, at the age of 90.

As a student who received guidance from him both professionally and in life, I will always cherish the image of a talented educator, passionate about teaching, diligent in research, meticulous in science, and approachable in life.

I was fortunate enough to live alongside Professor for a whole academic year (1981-1982) when I was sent by the State as part of a delegation of education experts to the Republic of Madagascar (which we commonly called the Island of Madagascar). The first thing to mention is how meticulously Professor corrected my French lectures, explaining everything in great detail. Perhaps this was the opportunity I learned the most and most profoundly from him. Professor possessed a wealth of knowledge about the country and Africa, not only in history but also in geography, society, and people, which earned him the utmost respect from his Malaysian colleagues. Even his French was admired by the French teachers for its precision, elegance, and sophistication, a level of proficiency that modern generations cannot match.

Being close to Professor, I'm sure each of us, whether students, researchers, or lecturers, felt a sense of closeness, a gentle demeanor, and an optimistic yet humorous tone in his stories. Through this, we can see in him an open heart and a loving spirit; therefore, all his students deeply cherish the image of a respected, profound, and approachable teacher.

Perhaps nothing can fully express my respect and gratitude for the image of Professor, People's Teacher Dinh Xuan Lam – a true educator:

TALENTED AND VIRTUOUS.

On the occasion of your 90th birthday, we would like to extend our best wishes to you, Teacher.

PEACE, PROSPERITY, AND LONGEVITY

Hanoi, February 4, 2015

The teacher's student

Vu Duong Ninh