Launching the Dinh Xuan Lam History Foundation

Professor and People's Teacher Dinh Xuan Lam (1925-2017). Photo: Thanh Long

Professor Dinh Xuan Lam (1925-2017) was born in Huong Son, Ha Tinh province. He was a talented educator and scientist, belonging to the generation that laid the foundation for the revolutionary historiography of Vietnam. He is known as one of the legendary "four pillars" of the History Department, Hanoi University, now the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

Over more than 60 years of research, Professor Dinh Xuan Lam has completed and published over 400 scientific works in the form of textbooks, reference books, and scientific articles covering many genres and fields, from history to literature and national culture. However, his main contributions are in the field of Vietnamese history research, especially modern and contemporary Vietnamese history. Professor Dinh Xuan Lam is also an exemplary teacher, loved and respected by generations of students for his virtue and character. Generations of colleagues and students in the history field still remember his heartfelt words expressing his love and passion for teaching: "If there is a next life and I could choose my profession again, I would still choose to be a teacher."

The launch ceremony of the Fund was attended by a large number of colleagues and students from the History Department of the Institute of History, the Institute of Party History, the Institute of Military History, the Ho Chi Minh Museum, and universities such as Hanoi Pedagogical University, University of Education - VNU Hanoi, Hong Duc University, Vinh University, Ha Tinh University, Hue Pedagogical University, Hue University of Science, etc.

Professor Nguyen Van Khanh - Head of the Executive Board of the Dinh Xuan Lam History Fund for the first term (2017-2022) - shared the purpose and origin of the Dinh Xuan Lam History Fund: To commemorate and honor, and to create opportunities for generations of students, trainees, and researchers to continue studying, carrying on the legacy, and multiplying the historical achievements of Professor Dinh Xuan Lam, after his passing, many colleagues, generations of students, and family members discussed and agreed on a plan to establish a History Fund named after Dinh Xuan Lam. This plan was supported and facilitated by the leadership of the Faculty of History and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities to implement its activities.

Unlike other scholarship funds, the Dinh Xuan Lam History Scholarship Fund is awarded to undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students in the field of History, prioritizing those researching topics related to the modern and contemporary periods of Vietnamese history at educational institutions in Hue, Ha Tinh, Nghe An, Thanh Hoa, and Hanoi. The award criteria are: undergraduate students with academic achievements of "Good" or higher and a research award; graduate students with academic achievements of "Good" or higher, excellent thesis defense results, and research achievements in the form of books or articles published in reputable domestic and international scientific journals; and doctoral students with excellent dissertation defense results and published works in reputable national and international publishing houses and journals.

Professor Phan Huy Le, People's Teacher and Honorary President of the Vietnam Historical Science Association, delivered a speech.

Professor Phan Huy Le shared some touching words about his colleague: "The launch of the Fund coincided with Professor Dinh Xuan Lam's birthday. I couldn't help but be moved because, of the four names 'Lam, Le, Tan, Vuong,' Professor Vuong passed away first in 2005, Professor Lam in 2017, Professor Tan is seriously ill, and I am still here. What can we do? That's just how life is. But alongside the emotion and the sadness of loneliness, witnessing the launch of the Dinh Xuan Lam History Fund today made me very happy."

Professor Phan Huy Lê stated that, during his lifetime, Professor Đinh Xuân Lâm confided that he very much wanted to have a history fund named after him to commemorate his life of historical research. He was born, lived, and worked in many different regions, his ancestral home being in Hà Tĩnh, he grew up and studied in Huế, then taught in Thanh Hóa, and lived in Hanoi. Therefore, he wanted to have an award for history-loving students from educational institutions from Huế northward.

Mr. Dinh Xuan Tho - son of Professor and People's Teacher Dinh Xuan Lam

Mr. Dinh Xuan Tho, son of Professor Dinh Xuan Lam and founder of the Fund commemorating his father, expressed his gratitude for the affection shown by his colleagues and students: "Because I study and work far away, I don't have the opportunity to be near my father much, but whenever I ask, 'Dad, do you need anything?', the answer is always, 'I don't need anything; your students have already taken care of you so much.' The care and attention everyone showed to Professor Dinh Xuan Lam was always attentive and thoughtful, even in the smallest details of his life. This is a simple happiness, yet not everyone is fortunate enough to have it."

“Throughout his life, my father never strived for titles or valued wealth. The value and legacy he left behind are immeasurable; what remains is a burning desire to spread the values ​​of historical research to future generations of students. I hope that the young people receiving awards today can utilize their knowledge and the value of scientific research in the field of history to contribute to society and our lives,” Mr. Dinh Xuan Tho shared.

Fifteen history students received the first round of awards from the Dinh Xuan Lam History Foundation.

Two Master's graduates in History received the award.

Three PhDs in History receive awards.

Delegates receive commemorative medals from the Foundation.