HÀ NỘI — A political and artistic programme, Sáng Mãi Tên Người (Forever Shining Is His Name), was staged at the Âu Cơ Art Centre in Hà Nội on May 19 to commemorate the 136th birthday of President Hồ Chí Minh (May 19, 1890–2026), drawing together senior leaders, officials and members of the public in a large-scale cultural tribute broadcast nationwide.

Organised by Văn Hóa (Culture) newspaper in coordination with relevant agencies, the programme was broadcast live on VTV2.

The event was attended by senior Party and State leaders, representatives from ministries and central agencies, Hà Nội authorities, journalists and a large audience of art lovers.

The show featured many renowned singers and dancers. - Photos Courtesy of the organisers

Structured as a continuous artistic journey, the programme traces President Hồ Chí Minh’s path from his departure to seek national salvation to Việt Nam’s present-day aspirations for development. The motif of light runs throughout the performance as a symbol of revolutionary ideals and Hồ Chí Minh’s spiritual legacy.

The opening segment, Hành Trình Ánh Sáng (Journey of Light), features symbolic stage language and modern visual technology. Sounds of waves, wind and footsteps recreate the atmosphere of history while the image of a child holding an oil lamp connects the past with the present. LED mapping technology expands the visual space and creates an immersive atmosphere for the audience.

The programme is divided into three main parts.

Part I, Người Đi Tìm Hình Của Nước (The One Who Sought the Shape of the Nation), brings audiences back to Sen Village, President Hồ Chí Minh’s hometown, where the young Nguyễn Tất Thành nurtured his ideals before departing to seek a path for national liberation.

The programme was divided into three main parts, each carrying its own distinctive tone while remaining connected through a shared emotional tribute to President Hồ Chí Minh.

Through songs such as Từ Làng Sen (From Sen Village), Đêm Nghe Hát Đò Đưa Nhớ Bác (Listening to Boat Songs at Night in Memory of Uncle Hồ) and Dấu Chân Phía Trước (Footprints Ahead), the image of President Hồ Chí Minh is portrayed as both simple and close to the people yet also that of a great leader who devoted his life to the nation.

Songs, including Khát Vọng (Aspiration) and Đường Chúng Ta Đi (The Road We Take), continue the emotional flow with themes of revolutionary spirit and confidence in the country’s future.

Part II, Ánh Sáng Dẫn Đường (The Guiding Light), highlights President Hồ Chí Minh’s ideology, morality and revolutionary path. Music is combined with documentary footage and exchanges with historical witnesses to deepen the programme’s emotional impact.

A documentary titled Cờ Đảng Bằng Máu Trong Chốn Lao Tù (The Party Flag Written in Blood in Prison) and an exchange with former Phú Quốc prisoner Nguyễn Thế Nghĩa reflect the revolutionary spirit and steadfast faith inspired by Hồ Chí Minh’s ideals.

Songs such as Lá Cờ Đảng (The Party Flag), Đảng Là Cuộc Sống Của Tôi (The Party Is My Life), Lời Bác Dặn Trước Lúc Đi Xa (Uncle Hồ’s Last Words) and Bài Ca Hồ Chí Minh (Song of Hồ Chí Minh) affirm the enduring values of Hồ Chí Minh’s thought in the life of the nation.

Delegates attend the special art programme Sáng mãi tên Người.

The final part, Việt Nam Khắc Ghi Lời Người (Việt Nam Remembers His Words), carries a youthful and modern spirit through performances including Còn Gì Đẹp Hơn (What Could Be More Beautiful), Yêu Nụ Cười Việt Nam (Love the Smile of Việt Nam), Thịnh Vượng Việt Nam Sáng Ngời (Prosperous Việt Nam Shines Brightly) and Đất Nước Vươn Mình (The Nation Rises).

Stage montage images depicting contemporary Việt Nam create a vivid picture of a country developing and integrating into the world while following the path chosen by the Party and President Hồ Chí Minh.

The programme features performances by well-known artists including People’s Artist Quốc Hưng, Meritorious Artist Tân Nhàn, singers Anh Thơ, Quang Hà, Nguyễn Trần Trung Quân and Hoàng Bách.

Through music and stage language, President Hồ Chí Minh is portrayed not only as a great leader and cultural figure but also as a simple and compassionate person devoted to the nation and its people.

The programme concludes in an emotional atmosphere, reaffirming that President Hồ Chí Minh remains a lasting spiritual symbol for generations of Vietnamese people. — VNS

Veteran Nguyễn Thế Nghĩa was among the audience members.