(VOVWORLD) - Village chief Hmrik has long been a trusted spiritual anchor for the Jarai people of Ia Nueng village in Bien Ho commune, Gia Lai province. A village patriarch for more than 20 years, Hmrik has played a vital role in preserving traditional customs, mediating conflicts, and motivating locals to work diligently toward a better life.
 Village chief Hmrik (second from right) talks with villagers. |
On an early winter evening following the coffee harvest, Ia Nueng villagers gather at Hmrik’s home to learn from his farming experience. The elder’s advice has had a significant impact on the life of a man name Thien.
Years ago, when his family was deeply impoverished, Thien took comfort in alcohol. Hmrik taught him how to raise cattle and grow coffee, and helped him obtain a loan from the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies. Thien now owns a herd of 20 cattle and a two-hectare coffee plantation that provides his family with a stable income.
“With Hmrik’s help, I did my best to learn and apply technology to growing rice and coffee and raising livestock and poultry. My family’s income has improved remarkably,” said Thien.
 Ia Nueng villager Thien and village chief Hmrik. (Photo: VOV) |
Ksor H’Chiem, a staff member of the Fatherland Front in Ia Nueng, said the village is recognized as one of the area’s most developed, peaceful, united, and culturally rich communities. This is due in part to the contributions of Hmrik, who addresses conflicts at an early stage, visits households to understand their difficulties and find solutions, and helps preserve traditional customs and traditions, H’Chiem said.
“Hmrik is known for his fairness and for handling matters with reason and compassion. His standing in the community helps to ensure that difficult issues are resolved quickly. He guides the younger generation in preserving traditions while encouraging a progressive and united way of life.”
At 77, Hmrik is still active in community affairs and continues to learn about and adopt new farming practices. Since Ia Nueng began developing community-based tourism services, Hmrik has traveled with younger villagers to Quang Ngai and Dak Lak provinces to study. He also encourages strict observance of Party guidelines and State laws and policies.
“As a village elder, I work alongside State and local authorities to encourage people to work hard, develop production, build a civilized way of life, and preserve their cultural identity. As long as I can, I’ll continue to contribute to the village and the commune,” Hmrik said.
R’Com H’Myu, Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Bien Ho commune, said Hmrik is a role model of ethics, lifestyle, and responsibility to the community. “Hmrik is an influential person, especially among young people. He has taught them discipline, and encouraged them to abandon bad habits, work hard, and preserve the Jarai culture. This contributes to building a cultured, civilized, prosperous, and happy life.”