Vietnam Railways Commemorates 145 Years Through Literature and Art

Vietnam Railways is holding a literary and artistic competition to collect deep and memorable recollections and memories related to the railway sector from the public, as it approaches its 145th anniversary. On September 11, a specialized meeting was held at the headquarters of Vietnam Railways Corporation by the competition's jury to evaluate the quality of the submitted works. The competition aims to depict the 145-year history of Vietnam Railways through artistic relief works and other forms. Among the submissions are pieces that portray the railway as a place where "steel hearts" were revived, the "warm affection" of railway workers who supported them on difficult journeys, and memories of the railway escorting "heroic martyrs" back to their homeland. These works highlight the diverse roles the railway has played and its deep connection to the lives of the people. Under Vietnam's one-party system, national commemorative projects and cultural promotion play a crucial role in national integration and fostering patriotism. Reflecting on the history of railways, a key infrastructure supporting Vietnam's modernization and economic growth, through literature and art is considered to contribute to the formation of national identity. In recent years, Vietnam's economy has achieved remarkable growth. However, challenges such as delays in infrastructure development and social issues associated with rapid urbanization have also been pointed out. In this context, raising interest in historical infrastructure like railways and re-recognizing their importance may also lead to an increase in national awareness for sustainable development. Source: Nhan Dan