Dong Nai artists reach out to flood-hit compatriots

Embodying the spirit of “the healthy leaf covers the torn leaf”, many artists and cultural-art units in Dong Nai Province have recently taken the initiative to organize charitable activities in support of people affected by natural disasters and flooding.

Photographer Nguyen An (second from left) personally travels to flood-hit areas in Khanh Hoa, Dak Lak, and Lam Dong provinces to deliver aid to locals and schools. Photo courtesy of the subject

These heartfelt journeys and the quiet but compassionate acts of provincial artists have spread widely, offering powerful moral support and helping flood-stricken communities overcome hardship and regain stability.

Using artistic work to share and support

In recent days, photographer Nguyen An (Photography Division, Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association) has continuously shared authentic images on his personal Facebook page, capturing the lives of people in flood-stricken areas of Khanh Hoa, Dak Lak, and Lam Dong. Together with benefactors, he visited heavily inundated locations and promptly delivered hundreds of relief packages to residents recovering in the aftermath of the floods.

Notably, Nguyen An chose a profoundly personal way to spread compassion as an artist: he sold his photograph Nguon Sua Trang (White Milk Source) to Dong Nai Rubber Corporation for 20 million VND. He used the entire amount to purchase notebooks, pens, medicine, and snacks for students in flood-affected areas, enabling them to return to school with improved conditions for continuing their education.

“The greatest happiness for a photographer may not be taking a beautiful picture, but seeing a work contribute something meaningful to the community,” photographer Nguyen An shared.

Inspired by the heartfelt efforts of those supporting flood-stricken Central Vietnam, musician Do Diep Hoai Anh (member of the Music Division, Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association) composed the song Khong Ai Bi Bo Lai Phia Sau (No One Left Behind).

The lyrics, drawn from real life and shared on Facebook and YouTube, quickly became a source of emotional encouragement for flood-affected residents: “...People of the flood-lands grit their teeth and rise again/ Each life a piece rebuilding tomorrow/ Hand in hand amid ruins and debris/ The poor kitchen fire still burns to warm each other/ Soldiers and police shoulder-to-shoulder with flood victims/ Cleaning schools to sow seeds of compassion/ The nation’s heart turns toward and reminds us/ That through the storm, no one is left behind”.

Beyond photography and music, Dong Nai poets also raised their voices of empathy through verses filled with humanity. In the poem Thuong Mien Trung (Beloved Central Region), poet Mai Han Hanh (member of the Literature Division) writes: “A shirt, a packet of noodles, or a whispered prayer/ Can dry the tears amid raging storms/ For in a world of uncertainty/ Human kindness warms all hearts/ Central Region, do not feel lonely/ The whole country beats with you in love!”.

Similarly, author Nguyen Duy Dong (member of the Literature Division), in his work Ghi Chep Mua Bao Lu (Notes of the Flood Season), captured the deep sense of solidarity: “My nation carries a profound love of compatriots/ Every shared disaster draws us closer/ Villages cook chung cakes, wards gather essentials/ Everyone contributes from the heart into the shared fund”.

Many literary and artistic works by Dong Nai artists have been posted on social media and rapidly spread within the community. Beyond artistic value, they have become bridges of compassion, nurturing solidarity and inspiring flood victims to overcome adversity.

Connecting hearts, spreading humanity

Responding to the call of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Dong Nai Province to support communities affected by storms and floods, many artistic units across the province have launched practical activities. Among them, Dong Nai Art Theater has been one of the pioneers, showcasing the social responsibility of those working in culture and the arts.

In addition to organizing donations and receiving essential goods from staff, artists, and workers to send to heavily affected areas, Dong Nai Art Theater also staged integrated art programs, both live and online, promoting messages of humanity. Emotionally rich performances helped audiences better understand stories of environmental protection, green living, civic responsibility, and compassion.

Meanwhile, the Dong Nai Center for Culture and Cinema continues to host musical performances, don ca tai tu (traditional Southern music), and mobile film screenings across communes and wards throughout the province. Through a combination of performance and communication, the center brings art closer to the people, encouraging solidarity and support for flood-stricken communities.

Cao Thep, leader of the Mobile Communication Team under Dong Nai Center for Culture and Cinema, said: “During each trip, we incorporate educational content and pair it with meaningful charitable activities, calling for support for flood-affected communities. For instance, at Tan Xuan C Primary School in Binh Phuoc Ward, Dong Nai Province, we organized a musical program and launched a donation drive. Teachers and students enthusiastically took part, offering simple but heartfelt gifts”.

The compassionate acts of Dong Nai’s artists represent not only material support but also powerful emotional encouragement for people in flood-hit provinces and cities in their most difficult moments. From artistic works and songs to heartfelt charitable journeys, the spirit of “the healthy leaf covers the torn leaf” has been profoundly and widely spread. This endeavor is the noble human value that Dong Nai’s cultural and artistic community continues to nurture and promote throughout society.

By My Ny – Translated by Quynh Nhu, Minho