Student-Youth Day: A Historical Perspective

For over half a century, the student movement in Vietnam and the Vietnamese Student Association have made significant contributions and achievements, becoming a source of pride for today’s students. Join Bach Hoa XANH as we explore this traditional day to honor the previous generations of students and their legacy.

1 When is Student Tradition Day in Vietnam?

Since February 1950, the National Congress of the Vietnam Youth Union in Viet Bac decided to designate January 9th as Student Tradition Day. Annually, the Vietnamese Student Association organizes a ceremony to honor students who have achieved outstanding contributions and excellence in their fields, showcasing their pride in the preceding generations.

When is Student Tradition Day?

2 Historical Origins of Student Tradition Day

Following the August Revolution, the Resistance Student Associations and the Resistance Student Unions were established in Saigon, Hue, and Hanoi. These associations and unions then expanded to numerous schools across the three regions of Vietnam: the North, Central, and South.

The activities of these student groups became increasingly diverse and gradually spread throughout Indochina. Simultaneously, they advocated the slogan “Actively hold on and prepare to shift to a strong counter-offensive.”

Moreover, in the years 1949-1950, the struggle movements of youth, students, and pupils in urban areas also took place continuously and vigorously, with more than 10,000 participants, especially in Saigon – Gia Dinh.

On January 9, 1950, the Youth Salvation Association and the General Association of Saigon – Gia Dinh – Cho Lon students organized a movement in which a large number of students took to the streets to demand security guarantees, freedom for students, the release of those arrested, and the reopening of schools.

Historical Origins of Student Tradition Day

However, the demonstration was brutally suppressed by the police and colonial soldiers. This bloody suppression, along with the fierce spirit of struggle and the heroic sacrifice of comrade Tran Van On, ignited a strong sense of hatred towards the colonialists and their accomplices among the students, youth, and people of Saigon – Cho Lon.

This event left a profound mark in Vietnam’s history. As a result, in February 1950, the First National Congress of the Vietnam Youth Union in Viet Bac decided to establish January 9th as the traditional day of students and pupils.

3 Significance of Student Tradition Day

The shocking historical event on January 9, 1950, led to the birth of Student Tradition Day as a milestone to commemorate this occasion and to honor the spirit of comrade Tran Van On and all the students and pupils who demonstrated unwavering determination in their struggle.

Significance of Student Tradition Day

4 Frequently Asked Questions about Student Tradition Day

Which Congress decided on the traditional day of Vietnamese students and pupils?

The traditional day of Vietnamese students and pupils was decided by the First National Congress of the Vietnam Youth Union in Viet Bac in February 1950.

Subsequently, the Fifth National Congress of the Vietnam Student Association, held in Hanoi in November 1993, also decided to adopt January 9th as the traditional day of the Vietnam Student Association.

What are the activities to celebrate Student Tradition Day in Vietnam?

Every year, the Vietnam Student Association organizes student movements and activities to commemorate Student Tradition Day.

Some meaningful campaigns and programs include: “learning and training for future career establishment,” “caring for the lives, rights, and obligations of students,” “Cultural, sports, and social activities,” etc. These activities are considered a new development step for the Association, continuously improving the quality of Vietnamese students.

Activities to Celebrate Student Tradition Day

Additionally, there are well-known social activities at universities and colleges, such as “Gratitude and Remembrance,” “Summer Cultural Enlightenment,” and “Blood Donation.”

Notably, large-scale campaigns like “Green Summer,” “Spring Volunteer Campaign,” and “5-Good Students Movement” have attracted millions of young people to participate, contributing to shaping a positive image of Vietnamese students.

What is the traditional song of the Vietnam Student Association?

The traditional song of the Vietnam Student Association is “Student Song” by composer Tran Hoang Tien. This song has become synonymous with numerous student exchange events.

“Student Song” by Composer Tran Hoang Tien

Learn more about March 26, 1931, and the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, which affirmed the position, role, and responsibility of young people in building and defending the country.