Illustrative imageFrom remote villages deep in the forests to rapidly developing residential areas in key economic zones, the flame of solidarity shines brightly every day in every simple act. In Dong Gia Nghia ward (Lam Dong province), the Mnong, E-de, Kinh and other ethnic groups all contributed their efforts to repair roads, building embankments and bringing electricity to light up their villages. When a poor family builds a new house, the whole village comes to help; some contribute bamboo, others bring bricks and some cook meals. These stories may seem small, but they are vivid manifestations of the spirit of solidarity, the strength that helps the community stand firm in the face of all challenges.
That flame is kept burning thanks to the role of the village elders, respected figures - the “great trees” of Central Highlands culture. They are not only the keepers of the village’s soul, but also the “torchbearers” for the younger generation. During village meetings, festivals and community gatherings, the words of the village elders still resonate with simple yet powerful authority: “The E-de, Ba na, Kinh and Mnong people all drink from the same river and breathe the same mountain winds. Unity is essential for survival and development”. They skillfully mediated disagreements, prevented divisive rhetoric and helped maintain peace and unity in the village.
The Central Highlands are undergoing a dramatic transformation today. Concreting roads wind through the villages and red-roofed houses spring up amidst the green of coffee, pepper and rubber plantations. This development was achieved thanks to the spirit of working together and sharing the benefits. In many places, people have established coffee cooperatives, cultivated medicinal plants and engaged in collective livestock farming. The strength of the collective helps ensure a stable market for products, leading to a more sustainable household economy. Behind those successes lies the spirit of “one for all”, a spirit of sharing with the community.
Ms. Y Thi Bich Tho, Standing Vice Chairperson of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Quang Ngai province stated: The movement “All people unite to build a cultured life in residential areas” has ignited a spirit of great solidarity.
This solidarity is reflected not only in economic development, but also in the preservation of culture. Gongs still resound during the harvest festival, scarves and brocade shirts are still woven by the diligent hands of the women in the village. Each dance, each gong sound, each glowing fire is a place where people are brought closer together, where tradition blends with the breath of the times, so that the culture of the Central Highlands continues to develop between the flow of modernity.
It can be said that unity is the “key” to sustainable development in the Central Highlands. In the context of deep integration, where socio-economic changes increasingly impact every village, the spirit of unity and cooperation becomes even more valuable. It is an endogenous resource that helps people maintain their identity, overcome difficulties and affirm their position on the path of innovation.
The flame of unity has burned, to be burning and will always burn brightly in every residential area of the Central Highlands, just like the hearts of the people here./.
