In 1945, revolution meant rising up to seize power. Today, it means embracing reform, breaking down barriers and unleashing creativity to help Vietnam advance in a new era.
The victory of the August Revolution and its lessons have provided a powerful source of strength for Vietnam through decades of challenges. That spirit helped pave the way for the historic Dien Bien Phu victory in 1954 and the 1975 Spring Victory, which reunified the country.
After four decades of economic reforms, known as Doi Moi, Vietnam has emerged as a dynamic economy deeply integrated into the global economy.
Today, the spirit of the August Revolution is being carried forward, from a revolution to “wrest back power” to a revolution to building an enabling government through streamlining the state apparatus and reorganizing administrative units nationwide.
Dr. Nguyen Van Dang of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics said the revolutionary spirit is reflected in the determination to transform the country to meet the demands of a new era.
Mr. Dang said: “The echoes of the August Revolution are reflected in our determination and action to change the country and nation for a better future. Nearly a century after the August Revolution, we are witnessing a strong revolutionary spirit across Vietnamese society. The streamlining of the state apparatus and the restructuring of administrative units nationwide demonstrate the strong determination of the Party and State to bring about changes that better match the country’s development needs in the new period.”
The spirit of revolution, however, is no longer confined to the pages of history. It is increasingly seen as a force to unlock the potential, intellect and creativity of the Vietnamese people.
If the revolution spirit in 1945 meant rising up to secure independence, today it means embracing innovation, removing barriers and creating new momentum for national development.
Professor Vu Minh Giang, former vice president of Vietnam National University, Hanoi, said Vietnam must maintain strong economic growth while pursuing innovation with determination.
“To achieve the goals we have set for 2045, we must sustain double-digit growth, improve people’s living standards and build a healthy social environment. We must remain steadfast in our political direction while pursuing it creatively. The spirit of reform must not waver. Instead, it must be strengthened, driven by the aspiration to build a powerful and prosperous Vietnam and make that aspiration our way of life,” said Mr. Giang.
As Vietnam enters a new era, the legacy of the August Revolution is being reinterpreted, from securing political power to building effective governance, from national liberation to unleashing human creativity, and from winning independence to building a strong and prosperous Vietnam.
