Mr. Huynh Thuc Khang - a shining example of patriotism.

(Baonghean.vn) - Mr. Huynh Thuc Khang is one of the exemplary figures embodying patriotism and love for the people, upholding the spirit of great unity for the supreme interests of the nation.

Mr. Huynh Thuc Khang was born on October 1, 1876, into a scholarly family in Thang Binh, Tien Canh, Tien Phuoc, Quang Nam province – a locality with a tradition of patriotism and a love of learning.

In 1900, he topped the provincial examination and in 1904 he topped the national examination. Despite his academic excellence and high achievements, and his early fame, Mr. Huynh did not enter official service. He explained that, as he himself stated: "The country is lost, and the court has completely submitted to foreign invaders."

The life and career of Mr. Huynh Thuc Khang, former Acting President of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, with his outstanding contributions to the national revolutionary cause in many fields, especially during the period when he participated in the Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam headed by President Ho Chi Minh, is one of the indelible marks in the modern history of Vietnam.

Uncle Ho and Mr. Huynh Thuc Khang in the first government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

Amidst the vibrant patriotic movements of the people against the rule and oppression of colonial feudalism, Mr. Huynh met like-minded comrades such as Phan Boi Chau and Tran Quy Cap. This trio became the soul of the fervent patriotic movement, imbued with reformist ideas, culminating in the anti-tax movement of poor farmers in the central provinces. Fearing the power of the peasant masses, the French colonialists brutally suppressed the movement, executing Tran Quy Cap and banishing Phan Chau Trinh and Huynh Thuc Khang to Con Dao Island. Thirteen years later (1908-1921), Mr. Huynh was finally able to return to the mainland.

In 1925, the country's history witnessed significant changes. One of these changes was the appearance of Nguyen Ai Quoc in Guangzhou and the founding of the Vietnam Revolutionary Youth League, the precursor organization of the Communist Party of Vietnam today.

During that challenging period, Mr. Huynh Thuc Khang entered politics hoping to win democratic rights for the people through public activities within the legal framework of the colonial regime. He participated in the election campaign for the Central Annam House of Representatives, was elected, and became its president. However, after his requests to amend laws to reduce alcohol and salt taxes, and to popularize the national language were flatly rejected by the colonial government, Mr. Huynh Thuc Khang fiercely debated with the Resident Commissioner of Central Annam and then announced his resignation.

The Governor's Residence on the island in 1912-1916, where Mr. Huynh Thuc Khang was chosen to work as a clerk in the office (Photo collected from the Internet).

After leaving politics, Huynh Thuc Khang gathered progressives to establish the newspaper "Tieng Dan" (Voice of the People), published in Hue, as a forum to continue the struggle for democratic rights in the press.

Huynh Thuc Khang was a passionate political activist. Therefore, after the success of the August Revolution, despite his advanced age, upon learning that President Ho Chi Minh was actually Nguyen Ai Quoc, Mr. Huynh went to the capital at President Ho Chi Minh's invitation with the intention of "only wanting to meet President Ho to express a few opinions." However, after only the first meeting, Mr. Huynh was completely convinced and stayed to cooperate with the Revolutionary State, not only because of President Ho Chi Minh's personal prestige but, more importantly, because he believed in the political line for the greater good of the nation of the Indochinese Communist Party, of which President Ho Chi Minh was the leader.

Following the success of the August Revolution, the Democratic Republic of Vietnam was established, facing immense challenges: internal enemies and external aggressors. The situation was extremely critical. In this context, with the fervor of a patriotic intellectual, Mr. Huynh accepted President Ho Chi Minh's invitation to join the revolutionary government. Using his considerable prestige, Mr. Huynh made a significant contribution to the cause of national unity and thwarted the divisive schemes of hostile forces.

At the National Assembly's inauguration and upon assuming the responsibility of Minister of Interior of the Resistance Coalition Government, President Ho Chi Minh respectfully introduced Mr. Huynh Thuc Khang as "a man of high moral character and reputation known to the entire nation."

Mr. Huynh Thuc Khang with the newspaper Tieng Dan.

To further expand the national unity bloc, "uniting all patriotic parties and patriotic compatriots without party affiliation, regardless of class, religion, political inclination, or race," in order to strengthen the forces protecting the achievements of the revolution, the National Union was established, with Mr. Huynh Thuc Khang, one of the founders, elected as its president.

In June 1946, President Ho Chi Minh visited France. He placed absolute trust in Mr. Huynh Thuc Khang when he appointed him Acting President of the country, with the instruction: "Maintain the unchanging principles while adapting to changing circumstances."

Despite his advanced age and declining health, the Acting President, under the leadership of the Communist Party, devoted all his enthusiasm to fighting to safeguard national sovereignty and independence against foreign powers and to maintain political stability in the country. He contributed to preventing and crushing the provocative and subversive plots of reactionary forces, of which the On Nhu Hau case is a prime example.

Expressing his gratitude to the Acting President for taking on the work while he was away, President Ho Chi Minh stated: "While I was away, thanks to the wise leadership of Mr. Huynh - the Acting President, the care of the National Assembly, the diligent efforts of the Government, and the concerted efforts of the people, many difficult issues were resolved, and the construction work also progressed."

In November 1946, with the threat of war looming, strengthening national unity, purifying the government apparatus, and consolidating the National United Front became extremely urgent issues.

The first National Assembly, in its second session from December 28 to November 9, 1946, discussed and adopted the first Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, as well as urgent policies to prepare for the resistance war. The National Assembly expressed its complete trust in President Ho Chi Minh and the new government he established. Mr. Huynh Thuc Khang, citing his advanced age and frail health, initially declined, but President Ho Chi Minh persuaded him to remain in the new government.

The Huynh Thuc Khang Memorial House is located in Tien Canh commune, Tien Phuoc district, Quang Nam province.

In 1947, on behalf of the Central Government and the Viet Lien Front, Mr. Huynh Thuc Khang traveled to Central Vietnam to visit the people and inspect the preparations of local authorities for the "nationwide resistance" and "all-people resistance." While on his mission, Mr. Huynh Thuc Khang fell seriously ill and passed away in Quang Ngai on April 21, 1947, at the age of 71.

The entire nation mourned the passing of Mr. Huynh amidst the fierce resistance against the French. In a letter to the people, President Ho Chi Minh wrote about Mr. Huynh: “Mr. Huynh was a man of vast learning, unwavering determination, and high moral character. Because of his patriotism, he was persecuted by the colonialists and exiled to Con Dao Island for over a decade, enduring hardship and suffering. But his unwavering loyalty and love for his country and people not only did not falter but became even more resolute. Mr. Huynh was a man whose heart was not swayed by wealth, whose spirit was not discouraged by poverty, and whose courage was not intimidated by power. Throughout his life, Mr. Huynh did not seek fame or fortune, nor did he crave wealth or officialdom. His entire life was dedicated to the people's freedom and the nation's independence…”

President Ho Chi Minh's sincere and accurate assessment of Mr. Huynh Thuc Khang is an eternal monument, honoring the example of a true patriot, whose name will forever be remembered by posterity. The letter from Uncle Ho was widely disseminated within the army, instilling in the entire force the benevolent spirit, indomitable will, and unwavering determination to resist of both Mr. Huynh and Uncle Ho.

Before his death, Mr. Huynh also sent a call to all political parties, intellectuals, and people from all walks of life to unite around President Ho Chi Minh in order to successfully carry out the cause of resistance and national construction.

Huynh Thuc Khang High School is located in Nghe An province.

The 140th anniversary of the birth of Acting President Huynh Thuc Khang is being commemorated at a time when the entire Party, people, and army are actively implementing the Resolution of the 12th National Congress of the Party and Directive 05-CT/TW of the Politburo of the 12th Party Congress, dated May 15, 2016, on "Promoting the study and emulation of Ho Chi Minh's thought, morality, and style." This is also an opportunity for us to review the life, career, and immense contributions of the patriot Huynh Thuc Khang to the Vietnamese revolution; to educate patriotism and the spirit of national unity; and to encourage and motivate all sectors of the population to actively compete in successfully implementing the Resolution of the 12th Party Congress.

In remembrance and profound gratitude for the immense contributions of the patriot Huynh Thuc Khang to the revolutionary cause of the nation, we pledge to follow his example, studying, cultivating ourselves, and striving throughout our lives for the goal of a prosperous people, a strong nation, democracy, justice, and civilization.

Peace

(Synthetic)