The person in charge

(Baonghean)I first met him about 15 years ago. Looking back, his life has been quite interesting. If it weren't for the Japanese-funded project for the Provincial Association of the Blind back then, I might have imagined and understood Nguyen Minh Duc – the Chairman of the Nghe An Association of the Blind – in a different light. Before that, those close to him, even those who considered themselves close friends, told me things about him that didn't match my perception. Being close to him, I see that he has real ability and courage; he truly is the one steering the ship through turbulent waters, guiding his fellow visually impaired people to peaceful lands.

Our computer class back then consisted of 10 people, mostly district chairmen or their successors. I was a special case because I was older and no longer involved in the Association's work. The teacher was the age of my granddaughter and had been blind since birth. Only much later did I learn that she was the granddaughter of my high school teacher. We had our own room, each with a computer. I was assigned to rest and work in Mr. Duc's room, and being close to him every day, I came to understand and admire him even more.

Nguyen Minh Duc was born into a family of seven children, four of whom were martyrs, and the remaining three were wounded veterans. Duc is a severely wounded veteran. His mother is now 95 years old. Leaving his studies after the country was unified, but with the southwestern border still under enemy threat, he enlisted in the army. In 1978, in Tay Ninh, during a fierce enemy pursuit, he was wounded and lost his sight in both eyes before he was even twenty years old.

Returning to the nursing home, Duc took on all sorts of jobs. Too young to think things through maturely, amidst a time of immense economic hardship and a struggle for everyone, he even joined the "backpackers traveling back and forth on the North-South train" to support himself and to relieve the frustrations of a youth "imprisoned" in darkness. Then, in moments of calm, he found himself at a crossroads: "If things continue like this, who will I become?" After much deliberation, and considering his elderly mother's need for support after so much loss, he chose a third path. In 1985, he married Phuc, a nurse at the nursing home. Despite their ups and downs, they shared life together through thick and thin. Their home was a stable, with a house and two healthy sons.

Duc's involvement with the blind wasn't accidental; it stemmed from camaraderie and shared disability. In 1992, he was elected Vice Chairman of the Nghe An Provincial Association of the Blind. Starting empty-handed, he relied on family members to take him from one agency to another, persuading them to support the Association's activities. In 1995, Duc was elected Chairman of the Association. At this point, he had some resources, but building a successful business was still very challenging. The Provincial People's Committee and several departments, through his requests, provided transportation, supplemented manpower (mostly war veterans), and gave him a monthly allowance of 50,000 dong...

Sympathizing with his resilience and determination, as well as that of his fellow disabled individuals, the community and relevant authorities in the province gradually provided support. The Provincial Association's premises cover several thousand square meters of land in the city center, some of which has been allocated to the Association's staff and employees, with proper land ownership certificates. Approximately 1500 square meters are used for offices, workspaces, a meeting hall, a kitchen, a dining area, staff accommodation, and a massage and therapeutic treatment area, which the Central Association considers to be among the best in the country.

A bamboo toothpick production facility of the Association of the Blind in Vinh City. Photo: Tran Hai

For over 20 years, through countless congresses, Nguyen Minh Duc has always been the one at the forefront, sharing the hardships and joys with his fellow disabled members. Although his house is more than 4 km from the Association, in summer or winter, rain or shine, he always arrives on time or even before the start of work.

From just 3 or 4 district-level associations with over 200 members, the province now has 19 out of 20 districts and towns that have established associations, with over 3000 members. Duc's presence has reached every district and town, listening to and resolving the difficulties faced by members during their association activities. Friends and colleagues both within and outside the province admire his dedication and unwavering commitment to the well-being of the blind.

His current allowance is still only 1,750,000 VND. The agency has a vehicle but no driver, so when he needs to go to the field or interact with various departments, he still relies on passenger cars or buses regardless of the weather. His colleagues at the field feel sorry for him, but he considers it normal. He also constantly strives to learn. His foreign language skills allow him to confidently communicate with foreign visitors without an interpreter. In recognition of his contributions, the Prime Minister and various ministries and agencies have awarded him many prestigious honors. This serves as encouragement and motivation for him to tirelessly dedicate himself to the cause of the happiness of the blind.

But if only his personal happiness were complete, the burden on his shoulders would be somewhat eased. I once gave him a poem that included the line: "When the family home crumbles / He carries the burden on both shoulders." It was thought that he and his wife would walk together through life, but alas... After so many storms, overcoming all the difficulties of their humble beginnings, just when the family seemed to be at peace, the woman who had been with him took a different path. That was also the time I was studying computer science and staying in his room.

On the day his wife married her new husband, he and I sat drinking, and he was very sad. But it seemed he swallowed all his suffering. He single-handedly shouldered the burden of raising his two sons, ensuring they received a good education. When his sons got married, their mother didn't even attend. But he still insisted that his sons bring their wives to greet their mother properly. The ancients taught: No one is perfect. He was indeed like that. Energetic but hot-tempered, straightforward, and openly expressed his likes and dislikes without knowing how to subtly conceal them. But his heart was pure, and he was wholeheartedly devoted, sharing both joys and sorrows; he remained a reliable support for those with similar conditions.

Nguyen Khac Phien (Dien Chau Association of the Blind)