Professor, People's Teacher Dinh Xuan Lam - a knowledgeable and dedicated teacher

I will always remember the unforgettable image of the first day I heard Professor Dinh Xuan Lam lecture on “Can Vuong Movement” in the Modern History of Vietnam course. It was a morning around October 1957 when we were in our second year of the History Department, Hanoi University of Science.

Prof. Dr. Dinh Xuan Lam

At the lecture hall 19 Le Thanh Tong (now the Nguy Nhu Kontom Hall), the teacher entered the class, immediately attracting the attention of the students - a young teacher, tall, handsome face, clear voice. The teacher took us from the resistance movement against the French colonialists, stopped for a long time at King Ham Nghi and the patriot Phan Dinh Phung, deeply analyzed the significance of the Can Vuong movement at the end of the 19th century. In 2 lessons, the teacher gave us basic understanding of the movement to fight against the invaders, emerging the image of a patriotic king, determined to leave the throne, protect independence and autonomy but failed. That lesson planted in me a passion for modern Vietnamese history, but unfortunately, later on, due to assignment, I was attached to modern world history. But it was that "modern" period that created many opportunities for me to study, ask questions and follow the Teacher throughout his later scientific journey.

As one of the first people to lay the foundation for historical science from the Marxist perspective, Professor Dinh Xuan Lam has worked hard to collect documents and conduct field research to build typical historical textbooks, serving as a basis for many generations of students to study (Modern History of Vietnam, Outline of Vietnamese History...). He has written or co-written dozens of books and hundreds of research articles on the uprisings of modern leaders. Through these works, shining examples in history emerged, from patriotic kings Ham Nghi and Duy Tan to patriots Phan Dinh Phung, Ton That Thuyet, Phan Boi Chau, Phan Chau Trinh and the leaders of the uprisings of Ba Dinh, Huong Khe, Bai Say, Yen The... During the period of Modern History, 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, he attended and chaired many scientific conferences, contributing to the correct assessment of many events and historical figures from a revolutionary perspective. That active participation has clarified many historical issues, which were previously obscured or inaccurate due to limitations in concepts and current events, but now, under the light of modern scientific methodology, are placed in the right place, restoring historical fairness and justice. It can be said that Professor Dinh Xuan Lam, with his enthusiasm, effort and intelligence, has contributed greatly to this work of great significance.

Professor Dinh Xuan Lam at the age of 90

As a student who received his teachings in both his career and life, I will always keep in mind the example of a talented teacher, passionate in teaching, diligent in research, serious in science and close to life.

I was fortunate to live with him for a whole school year (1981-1982) when the State sent me to join a delegation of educational experts to the Republic of Madagascar (we used to call it the island of Madagascar). The first thing to mention is that he corrected my French lessons very carefully and explained them in great detail. Perhaps this was the occasion when I learned the most and most deeply from him. He had a very rich knowledge of our country as well as Africa, not only about historical issues but also about geography, society, and people, which made his Malay colleagues extremely respectful. As for French, even French teachers had to admire him for his precise, polished, and polished language that the modern generation could not keep up with.

Being close to the Teacher, surely each of us, whether students, researchers or lecturers, felt in the Teacher a close affection, a gentle behavior, an optimistic streak mixed with a bit of humor in the stories. Through that, we can see in the Teacher an open heart, a loving heart, so all students deeply engraved the image of a respected, profound and friendly Teacher.

Perhaps nothing can express my respect and gratitude when I forever preserve the image of Professor, People's Teacher Dinh Xuan Lam - a teacher:

TALENTED - VIRTUE

On the occasion of your 90th birthday, I wish you all the best.

HEALTH - LONGEVITY

Hanoi, February 4, 2015

Teacher's students

Vu Duong Ninh