On the morning of 18/4, General Secretary and President To Lam received exemplary village elders, community leaders, artisans, and reputable individuals from across the country, marking Vietnamese ethnic cultures day (19/4).

Expressing gratitude for the persistent, silent contributions of these exemplary figures among ethnic minority communities nationwide, the General Secretary and President emphasized that preserving ethnic cultures is not merely about conserving heritage. It is also about safeguarding society's spiritual foundation, strengthening national unity, and fostering intrinsic strength for sustainable national development.

Within this framework, village elders, community leaders, artisans, and reputable individuals play an especially important role. "You, esteemed elders and leaders, are not only keepers of community memories but also spiritual anchors, focal points for trust, contributing to maintaining stability and cohesion at the grassroots level", the General Secretary and President stated.

The head of the Party and State assessed that in recent years, efforts to preserve and promote ethnic cultural values have achieved significant results, leading to positive changes in both public awareness and social life. Many localities have developed practical and meaningful models and approaches.

General Secretary and President To Lam with exemplary village elders, community leaders, artisans, and reputable individuals from across the country, on the morning of 18/4. Photo: TTXVN

Despite the achievements, the General Secretary and President frankly acknowledged that the mission of preserving and promoting ethnic cultural values faces new difficulties and challenges. Some of these issues are long-term, directly impacting the nation's foundation for sustainable development.

According to the General Secretary and President, for ethnic minority regions, the requirement is to achieve harmonious development that balances improved livelihoods with cultural preservation, and integration with cultural autonomy. It is crucial to particularly value the community's primary role, as the people themselves are the agents who preserve, practice, and transmit cultural values. Only when culture is nurtured by self-awareness and individual pride can it exist and develop sustainably.

He expressed his wish that, through their prestige, responsibility, and deep affection for the people, village elders and community leaders continue to set examples. They should mobilize their communities not to heed wrongful instigations, not to violate laws, and not to allow negative elements to infiltrate the community. Maintaining peace in the villages contributes to the overall stability of the country.

Simultaneously, village elders and community leaders should continue to integrate cultural preservation with livelihood development, especially community-based tourism. This approach allows people to both preserve their identity and increase their income, thereby creating long-term motivation for cultural preservation and promotion. "Development is not just about adding new things; it is also about preserving and promoting one's inherent good values", the General Secretary and President shared.

The government needs to focus on perfecting cultural institutions and policies in a synchronized, practical manner. It should prioritize resources for grassroots culture, especially in ethnic minority and mountainous regions, ensuring that culture truly integrates into daily life and becomes a firm spiritual foundation for society.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism should pay more attention to artisans and reputable individuals. Concurrently, it should promote digital transformation so that cultural values can spread more powerfully in modern society.

General Secretary and President To Lam presented portraits of President Ho Chi Minh to exemplary village elders, community leaders, artisans, and reputable individuals from across the country, on the morning of 18/4. Photo: TTXVN

Reporting at the reception, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Lam Thi Phuong Thanh stated that over 180 traditional festivals have been restored nationwide and linked with tourism development. Nearly 200 cultural preservation and experience models have been formed, also integrated with tourism development. Over 720 folk culture clubs and 5,760 traditional art troupes have been established and maintained. Additionally, 50 research, restoration, and preservation programs for intangible cultural heritage at risk of disappearance have been implemented.

Notably, 351 intangible cultural heritage items of ethnic minorities, out of a total of 735 national intangible cultural heritage items, have been cataloged by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

In 2008, based on a proposal from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Prime Minister decided to designate 19/4 annually as Vietnamese ethnic cultures day.

Over the years, Vietnamese ethnic cultures day has become a major festival where people from various ethnic groups meet, interact, and immerse themselves in traditional festivals and the unique cultural space of fraternal ethnic groups.

Nguyen Phong