In his opening remarks, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung affirmed: “One hundred years is a long enough time for a seed to become a towering tree, for a quiet stream to become a mighty river laden with alluvial soil. Over the past century, from the first issue of Thanh Nien (Youth) Newspaper founded and led by Nguyen Ai Quoc (later President Ho Chi Minh), Viet Nam Revolutionary Press has matured and accompanied the nation every step of the way. It has become a core and pioneering force on the ideological and cultural front, making significant contributions to every stage of the country’s revolutionary development.”
According to Minister Nguyen Van Hung, press has always played a pioneering role: “Forging the way – walking alongside implementation – and summing up in hindsight.” The 100-year milestone of revolutionary press provides a solid foundation for a new journey that is deeper, more creative, and more inspiring, moving toward greater professionalism, modernity, humanity, and dedication.
The special art programme, through symbolic language and a blend of traditional and modern artistic forms, seamlessly connects the past, present, and future. It serves both as a tribute and as a floral offering to those who have devoted themselves to the noble profession of journalism.
The programme took the audience on an evocative artistic journey structured into four parts. The opening section revisited the founding of Viet Nam Revolutionary Press and its lofty mission. It also honoured President Ho Chi Minh for laying a solid foundation for the noble profession.
The second segment transported audiences to the difficult yet heroic era of the national resistance wars. Amidst the relentless bombings and battlefields, the press firmly upheld its role as a sharp ideological weapon as it encouraged the fighting spirit, rallied the people, and recorded the vivid pages of the nation’s history.
The third part was a solemn and emotional pause in remembrance and tribute to journalists who laid down their lives for national liberation and defence.
The programme concluded with a vibrant depiction of revolutionary press in the era of renewal and integration. In the face of rapid advancements in technology and digital media, Vietnamese press has continuously transformed itself to adapt to the multi-platform media environment.
Through a rich and multi-layered artistic language, combining music, dance, and historical visuals, the programme not only powerfully conveyed messages of patriotism and national pride, but also highlighted the deep love for journalism felt by revolutionary reporters. It served as a reminder to the public of the press’s vanguard role on the ideological and cultural front of the Party, contributing to the country’s remarkable achievements across all sectors.
The event also served as a call for present-day journalists to carry forward their responsibility to history and the people.
The programme featured performances by many renowned artists, including People’s Artist Quoc Hung; Meritorious Artists Viet Hoan and Khanh Ngoc; and singers Trong Tan, Dao To Loan, Viet Danh, Xuan Hao, Thu Hang, An Thu An, Duyen Quynh, Hai Anh, and Phuc Dai; the Thoi Gian and Phương Nam bands; along with dancers and the choir of the Viet Nam Contemporary Arts Theatre.
