Hanoi (VNA) - Scholars and educators gathered at an exhibition and forum on February 25 to commemorate the 100th birthday of Professor Dinh Xuan Lam, a towering figure in Vietnamese history studies whose intellectual legacy continues to inspire generations of academics.
Organised by the University of Social Sciences and Humanities under the Vietnam National University, Hanoi, the event spotlighted the life of a man widely regarded as one of the four pillars of modern Vietnamese historiography, together with Prof. Phan Huy Le, Prof. Ha Van Tan, and Prof. Tran Quoc Vuong.
Born on February 4, 1925, in the central province of Ha Tinh to a patriotic mandarin family, Professor Lam emerged as a transformative academic who redefined history research in Vietnam. After graduating in 1956, he remained at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities as a history lecturer, quickly establishing himself as a renowned scholar both domestically and internationally.
Throughout his nearly 60-year academic career, Lam produced over 500 scientific publications, with a particular focus on modern Vietnamese history—spanning the period of French colonial invasion to the August Revolution. He was also invited to work as an education specialist in Madagascar and visiting professor in the Netherlands and France.
Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Khanh from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities’ History Faculty said that Prof. Lam’s notable contributions include his research to clarify the national struggle against the French colonists, works on President Ho Chi Minh’s life and career, announcements of historical records, and academic exchange with international scholars.
Meanwhile, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Nhat, former Director of the Institute of History under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, held that Prof. Lam made many discoveries on a fact-based approach and always updated knowledge and working methods.
Colleagues and former students spoke eloquently about Lam's unique approach to history research. Prof. Do Quang Hung noted his distinctive writing style, blending Eastern and Western methodological approaches with a literary flair that made history texts both accessible and engaging.
Beyond his scholarly achievements, Professor Lam's contribution was his role as an educator. Hundreds of his students have become prominent academics, researchers, and leaders in various fields.
Prof. Vu Duong Ninh from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities shared a touching anecdote about how Lam carefully edited his French lectures, patiently guiding him towards precision and clarity.
With his devotion, Lam set a fine example for his students, carrying forward his intellectual and pedagogical traditions.
The Vietnamese Government recognised Lam's extraordinary contributions by awarding him the People's Teacher title, the First-Class Labour Order in 2006 and the Third-Class Independence Order in 2016. He was posthumously awarded the State Prize for Science and Technology for his groundbreaking research on anti-colonial movements in Vietnam.
The professor once said his most valuable “order” was the generations of the students he had trained – those who have contributed to the society across various domains, according to Prof. Hoang Anh Tuan, Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.
As higher education faces unprecedented challenges and transformations, Prof. Tuan emphasised that Lam's life serves as a powerful reminder - academic excellence must be grounded in humanistic values./.
