(VOVWORLD) - When he was still alive, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong often called youths the backbone of the nation and spent considerable time meeting and encouraging outstanding young role models and inspiring the younger generation.
 Pham Duc Anh has an opportunity to meet General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong after he won the second gold medal at the 2018 International Chemistry Olympiad. (Photo: VTV) |
Pham Duc Anh's dream of winning international competitions came true when he won a gold medal at the 2018 International Chemistry Olympiad at the age of 18. The achievement enabled him to meet Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong.
Duc Anh, now a student at Hanoi Medical University, recalls, “It was a warm moment to shake hands with the General Secretary. He told me talented people are the nation’s vitality. I remember every word of one thing he said: 'Never before has our country enjoyed such a fortune, strength, international position, and prestige as today'. That statement aroused my pride and ambition.”
Despite having many opportunities to study abroad, Duc Anh decided to stay in Vietnam and prepare for the exam for resident doctors after completing his 6-year program at Hanoi Medical University.
General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s speech at the 12th National Congress of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union made a deep impression on Nguyen An Huy and other delegates.
Huy who is currently a student at Hanoi’s Nguyen Thi Minh Khai High School, said he felt honored to represent Vietnamese students to speak at the Congress.
“General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong was once a student of the Literature Faculty of the University of Hanoi, now the University of Social Sciences and Humanities. He has inspired me a lot,” said Huy, adding, “Mr. Trong said he believes learning is a lifelong task and young people, with their strength, youthfulness, and enthusiasm, must remember that. By studying we can reap worthy rewards in life.”
 Nguyen An Huy speaks at the 12th National Congress of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union. (Photo: VTV) |
At the 90th founding anniversary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union in 2021, Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong said, “If the youth are strong, the nation will be strong,” adding, “Youth are the core force of the nation, the future masters of the nation, and the vanguard in national construction and defense. They are one factor determining the success or failure of the cause of renewal and socialism building."
According to Mr. Trong, caring for and developing youth ensures national stability and sustainable development.
He asked the government, departments, ministries, sectors, and organizations at all levels to create conditions and mechanisms to help youth unions and young people build a contingent of enthusiastic, brave, and exemplary young cadres.
General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's concern for Vietnamese youth has inspired many young people to follow his direction.
As a young person has this to say, “The life and personality of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong are a shining example for young people and students to follow. Even in the hospital he kept working.”
“During his lifetime he advised Vietnamese youth to work and study hard, practice as much as possible, and have a bright heart, ambition, and mind. That is what the young people of Dong Nai will keep in their hearts as a guideline and encouragement,” said another.
“A year begins with spring. A life begins with youth. Youth is the spring of society”. President Ho Chi Minh and General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong both pinned their hopes on Vietnamese youth and empowered them to build a strong, prosperous country.