The Centre for Cultural and Scientific Activities of the Temple of Literature organised a parade themed “Sowing the seeds of learning for future generations” at the Special National Relic Site of the Temple of Literature in Ha Noi on January 9, with the participation of 950 primary school pupils from across the city.
The event is one of activities to mark the 950th anniversary of the founding of the Quoc Tu Giam, or Imperial Academy (1076–2026).
First- and second-grade pupils from Ly Thuong Kiet, La Thanh, Van Chuong, and Trung Phung primary schools wore traditional Ao dai adorned with the emblem commemorating the 950th anniversary of the Imperial Academy, creating a solemn and meaningful image within the heritage space.
The parade proceeded from the inner grounds of the Temple of Literature to the area around Van Lake, symbolising the enduring continuity of the nation’s tradition of learning, the spirit of respect for teachers, and faith in future generations — young shoots continuing the path of knowledge nurtured by their forebears for nearly a millennium.
Le Xuan Kieu, Director of the Centre for Cultural and Scientific Activities of the Temple of Literature, said that through the event, the organisers aim to honour Viet Nam’s scholarly tradition, while fostering a connection between the country’s educational heritage and ongoing educational reform.
After establishing the capital at Thang Long, the Ly Dynasty began the process of building a strong and prosperous state.
Following the construction of the Temple of Literature in 1070, under the reign of King Ly Nhan Tong, the Imperial Academy was founded in 1076 to educate the sons of the royal family and the aristocracy, becoming Viet Nam’s first university.
The parade serves as the opening activity of the celebrations marking the 950th anniversary of the founding of the Imperial Academy.
In the period ahead, the Centre for Cultural and Scientific Activities of the Temple of Literature will also organise a series of special cultural and educational events, with the highlight being the Dao hoc (Scholarly tradition) art programme.
The programme aims to revisit and honour the core values of Viet Nam’s scholarly tradition, in which learning is grounded in moral principles and closely linked to responsibility towards family, community, and the nation, while also helping to inspire pride and a renewed commitment to preserving and promoting the tradition of learning in contemporary society.
