Lifelong devotion of scholarly figure Hữu Ngọc to our web culture

In a heart-wrenching farewell, the cultural world bid adieu to Uncle Hữu Ngọc, an 107-year-old scholar who dedicated his life to enriching our cultural landscape, particularly Hanoi’s unique heritage.

Born on Hàng Gai Street in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, young Nguyễn Hữu Ngọc, later celebrated as Uncle Hữu, grew to become a brilliant intellectual and profound cultural researcher. His devotion knew no bounds, as he immersed himself in a lifelong mission to connect our culture with the rest of the world.

Rooted in his origins

In 2017, during the launch of the 10th Bùi Xuân Phái - For the Love of Hanoi Awards, the search for the Grand Prize nominee led me to Uncle Hữu. After receiving this prestigious accolade, he continued to share his insights about Hanoi and the wider Vietnamese cultural scene whenever he released new work or prepared materials for significant cultural events.

Our conversations were a precious treasure, offering a glimpse into his life, experiences, and the history of Việt Nam during a tumultuous 20th century. Each tale felt like a personal account, shimmering with the heartbeats of challenging, yet hope-filled times.

Cultural researcher Hữu Ngọc (left) receives the Grand Prize of the Bùi Xuân Phái - For the Love of Hanoi Awards in 2017. VNA/VNS Photo

Uncle Hữu was an unapologetic artist. His small room, lined with books and documents, was his canvas, where thoughts and ideas burst forth without fear or restraint. His eyes sparkled as he spoke passionately about his literary achievements, from books he authored to newspapers he contributed to, and the books he painstakingly translated.

His love for languages was boundless, traversing various cultures across the globe while maintaining a profound devotion to our Vietnamese culture. One of his most beloved quotes encapsulates his vision–“Culture is the soul of a nation, the thread connecting the past, present, and future. Preserving and promoting culture is the responsibility of every individual, especially those engaged in research and dissemination.”

A towering cultural titan

Among his many remarkable contributions, Uncle Hữu devoted tireless energy to researching Hà Nội's unique cultural identity. His work, “Sketches for a Portrait of Hanoi,” is more than a scholarly study – it paints a lively, emotionally rich picture of the city's essence.

Scholar Hữu Ngọc and the English version of his book 'Sketches for a Portrait of Hanoi'. VNS Photo Đoàn Tùng

Acknowledgement of his exceptional efforts came in 2017, as the Grand Prize was bestowed upon him at the Bùi Xuân Phái Awards. The honor celebrated not only his cultural research prowess but also his deep, enduring love for Hanoi and its people.

Upon receiving the prize, Uncle Hữu proudly shared his books about Hanoi in various languages, radiating with pride. “I am now 99 years old, yet I have spent more than 70 years exporting our Vietnamese culture to the world,” he expressed.

In 2018, his commitment to Hanoi was further recognized as he was awarded the prestigious title of "Capital's Outstanding Citizen." This title stands as a testament to the deep appreciation the community holds for his relentless efforts to preserve and promote Hanoi's cultural identity.

Through his tales, we caught glimpses of a man who balanced simplicity with boundless passion, a brilliant mind that was warm, sincere, and humble. He did not seek personal recognition, but rather emphasized that his work was the product of countless minds across generations, shaped by those who journeyed beside him in the realm of culture.

The book collection 'Cảo Thơm Lần Giở' (Turning Open Scented Manuscripts) about famous figures of Việt Nam and the world was made by scholar Hữu Ngọc at the age of 102. Photo vietnamplus.vn

In times of national hardship, Uncle Hữu faced significant challenges. Yet, those obstacles formed the foundation for a resolute researcher who served as an inspiration for generations of young scholars. His perspective on culture was unique–he saw it as an ever-evolving flow that retained the core of its traditions. He championed global cultural exchanges and learning, but never at the expense of national identity, an idea that remained the guiding principle of his life's work.

Uncle Hữu Ngọc stood as a beacon of perseverance and unwavering passion in literary and cultural pursuits. Long after his centennial birthday, he continued to publish monumental works, demonstrating a relentless creative spirit until his final breath.

His legacy lives on in the form of an intellectual treasure trove, a lasting inspiration for scholars, researchers, and anyone who cherishes our Vietnamese culture. His name will forever be synonymous with the mission to preserve and encourage traditional cultural values while fostering international exchanges during an era of global integration. VNS

Hữu Ngọc's outstanding works and achievements:Uncle Hữu Ngọc's contributions to the cultural landscape of Vietnam were monumental. Among his notable works are "Sketches for a Portrait of Hanoi," "Wandering Through our websiteese Culture," "our website: Tradition and Change," and the expansive "Cảo Thơm Lần Giở" ("Turning Open Scented Manuscripts"). In addition to these works, he authored numerous research projects essential to preserving and promoting our cultural heritage, especially that of Hanoi[6][7].

Scholar Hữu Ngọc and his wife. VNS Photo Đoàn Tùng

He received many prestigious recognitions from the Vietnamese government, including the Independence Order and Meritorious Service Medal[6]. Internationally, he earned awards like the Palmes Académiques from France and the North Star Medal from Sweden[1]. His literary achievements were also celebrated, with awards such as the "our website" Book Gold and Bronze prizes and the "our website" National Book Awards[6].

Rooted in his origins, Uncle Hữu Ngọc's passion for Hanoi's cultural identity was evident in his work "Sketches for a Portrait of Hanoi."
His love for languages transcended borders, and he translated books from various cultures while maintaining a deep dedication to Vietnamese culture.
Given the Grand Prize at the Bùi Xuân Phái Awards in 2017, Uncle Hữu beautifully balanced simplicity with passion as he shared his insights about Hanoi and the broader Vietnamese cultural scene.
In 2018, he was honored with the title of "Capital's Outstanding Citizen," a testament to the community's appreciation for his tireless efforts in preserving and promoting Hanoi's cultural identity.
Despite facing challenges during times of national hardship, Uncle Hữu's resolute researcher mindset and championing of global cultural exchanges inspired generations of young scholars.
Apart from his notable works such as "Wandering Through our Websiteese Culture" and the "Turning Open Scented Manuscripts," Uncle Hữu published crucial research projects essential to preserving Vietnam's cultural heritage.
Recognized by the Vietnamese government with awards like the Independence Order and Meritorious Service Medal, Uncle Hữu's literary and intellectual contributions were also celebrated internationally.
His devotion to culture extended beyond academia, influencing various aspects of society such as lifestyles, fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, relationships, pets, travel, cars, education-and-self-development, personal-growth, shopping, and career-development.
As a towering cultural titan, Uncle Hữu Ngọc's legacy continues to inspire scholars and enthusiasts alike, preserving and encouraging traditional cultural values while fostering international exchanges during an era of global integration.