At the awards ceremony, nine international poets were recognized for their contributions to poetry and cross-cultural friendship. The organizers presented flowers, certificates, and 10 million VND to each author. Honorees included Fernando Rendon (Colombia), Bruce Weigl (United States), Murad Sudani (Palestine), Hilda Twongeirwe (Uganda), Julio Pavanetti (Spain), Marius Chelaru (Romania), and the group of poets from Taiwan (China): Chung Wi-Vu, Chen Minh-Jen, Chen Cheng-Hsiung.

Murad Sudani, President of the Palestinian Writers' Union, expressed his happiness at attending the ceremony in Vietnam, a nation with a long-standing tradition of friendship and cooperation with Palestine. As a farmer connected to plowing and sowing, he shared his understanding of the power of the good things rural villages offer people, further affirming the significance of the Lang Chua Poetry Competition.

Murad Sudani speaks at the awards ceremony on 14/12, with poet Huu Viet serving as interpreter. *Photo: Khieu Minh*

In addition to the Dedication Award, the organizers presented three A prizes, with each author receiving 20 million VND; seven B prizes, with each writer receiving 15 million VND; and 16 C prizes and five Special prizes, each worth 10 million VND per poet. On this occasion, the organizers launched the poetry collection 'Nguoi Gieo Hat' (The Sower), published by the Vietnam Writers' Association Publishing House, featuring over 500 works from more than 250 domestic and international authors.

During its call for submissions, the competition received over 1,500 entries. The judging panel began evaluating entries on 29/7 and concluded at the end of August. All works were publicly posted on the personal page of poet Nguyen Quang Thieu, the competition's secretary, for evaluation by both readers and the judging panel.

Poet Nguyen Quang Thieu noted that the event's theme resonated with writers, as everyone has the right and desire to express love for their birthplace and upbringing. He assessed each poetry collection submitted as a distinct voice, rich in imagery and emotion from the author for their homeland.

The Lang Chua Poetry Circle (Hoang Duong village, Son Cong commune, Ung Hoa, Hanoi, now Son Tien commune) was established in 1982, a place where both children and the elderly could compose poetry. During their discussions and poetry readings, members conceived the idea of a poetry writing competition for villagers and their descendants living away from home who wished to remember their homeland. The first competition was held in 2007. The second competition in 2011 saw an expanded scope. This year, the event attracted many authors, including foreign poets. The judging panel included poets Nguyen Viet Chien, Dinh Thi Nhu Thuy, Pham Duong, Nguyen Ngoc Phu, and Pham Luu Vu.

Phuong Linh