Dong Nai’s literature and arts engage in countering false arguments (Part 1)

In the process of building and safeguarding the Party’s ideological foundation, Dong Nai’s literature and arts have affirmed their role as an important “front,” with artists and writers seen as “soldiers” on that front. Through tireless creativity, local artists and writers have contributed to nurturing pride, cultivating ideals of a meaningful life, and strengthening public trust.

Not only producing works rich in humanity, Dong Nai’s literature and arts have also become an indispensable part of spreading positive images and messages, effectively countering wrongful and hostile views, while preserving and promoting cultural values. In doing so, the image of Dong Nai people emerges as both resilient and compassionate, ready to adapt to the context of integration and the digital era.

Part 1: “Soft power” upholds the Party’s ideological foundation

In the dynamic flow of cultural life, Dong Nai’s literature and arts face no small challenges from the infiltration of distorted viewpoints that negatively affect the mindset and lifestyle of some people, particularly the youth.

Yet, with political steadfastness and love for their homeland, Dong Nai’s artists and writers have affirmed their pioneering role in defending the Party’s ideological foundation, turning literature and arts into a “spiritual flame” that illuminates the path toward building well-rounded citizens in the province.

Writer Dao Sy Quang launches his novel “Ben kia loi hua” in August 2025. Photo: Minh Anh

On a Sunday morning in late August 2025, in Quarter 5, An Binh ward (now Tran Bien ward), the launch of the new novel Ben kia loi hua (Beyond the promise) by writer Dao Sy Quang, member of the Vietnam Writers’ Association and the Literature Section of Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association (DLAA), attracted many friends, relatives, and family members.

Ben kia loi hua focuses on the theme of war, portraying the hardships faced by soldiers on the battlefield. Throughout the work, the bonds between soldiers and civilians, as well as camaraderie among comrades, serve as a continuous source of inspiration throughout the work. The novel reflects the author’s careful observation to authentically depict soldiers as both resilient fighters and warm-hearted individuals in everyday moments. Particularly, the author skillfully intertwines slices of reality with memories, creating a bridge between past and present, allowing readers not only to feel the heroic spirit of previous generations but also to reflect on the responsibilities and ideals of today’s generation.

Sharing with readers at the launching event, writer Dao Sy Quang said he has always believed that literature is not only a pure artistic creation but also a social and civic responsibility. Writing about war is not to praise in clichés but to evoke pride, helping today’s generation better understand and value the great sacrifices, thereby living with ideals and humanity.

The book launch also became an opportunity for meaningful exchanges between readers in Dong Nai and the author. Many attendees remarked that the appearance of profound works like Ben kia loi hua serves as a testament to the literary community’s efforts in safeguarding and promoting core values, while resisting the intrusion of materialistic and anti-cultural lifestyles that are increasingly influencing a segment of young people.

In fact, over the years, Dong Nai has produced hundreds of works in fields such as literature, theater, cinema, fine arts, photography, literary theory, folklore, and dance. These works vividly portray the province’s reform journey, industrialization, modernization, and exemplary role models. Numerous creative contests and writing camps have been regularly organized, fostering an atmosphere of lively and enthusiastic creation.

People’s Artist Giang Manh Ha, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Stage Artists’ Association and Chairman of the DLAA, noted: “From the start of the year, the association has always guided members to ensure their works combine artistic freedom with political missions. Creations are not only about praise but also about elevating spiritual life and reinforcing public trust in the Party’s leadership. Many works have been widely introduced through art programs, exchanges, book launches, and exhibitions.”

After the recent merger, the DLAA now has 604 members across 10 creative disciplines. With aspirations to develop and join the entire country to advance into a new era,  the era of the nation’s rise, Dong Nai’s artists and writers – the soldiers on the cultural-ideological front - remain deeply committed to President Ho Chi Minh’s teachings, striving to create, promote, and spread the image of their homeland, while enriching the cultural and spiritual life of the people, especially the younger generation.

Despite its achievements, the field of literature and arts has also seen deviations in recent times. Some products on social media masquerade as “modern art” but in fact glorify materialism and vulgarity; some even distort history or deny the Party’s leadership role.

According to Le Phan Hieu Anh, a member of the Literature Section of DLAA, certain opportunistic elements attempt to disguise distorted content as “art,” aiming to undermine the Party’s leadership and spread wrongful views that influence social perception. Without vigilance, the public can easily be swayed by such misleading information. Therefore, every genuine literature and arts work not only nurtures human values but also serves as a message of resistance, helping safeguard the ideological foundation and reinforce public trust.

Dr. Nguyen Van Quyet, former Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Chairman of the Vietnam–Japan Friendship Association in Dong Nai, emphasized: “Hostile forces often exploit openness in cultural life to spread wrongful views. If the artists and writers and the public are not vigilant, they may be led astray. Therefore, artists must see their creative work as a form of struggle. Each poem, short story, song, or photo about the homeland, the Party, and Dong Nai people, when shared, becomes a positive message that helps push back anti-cultural content.”

“Upholding ideological orientation in literature and arts is essentially keeping the spiritual flame alive for the entire community,” Dr. Nguyen Van Quyet underscored.

Members of DLAA participate in a field trip to create works in border communes and ethnic minority areas in August 2025. Photo: Contributor

Amid the boom of digital technology, traditional values are easily overshadowed. However, Dong Nai’s artists and writers have leveraged technology to spread positive ideas. A wide range of literary works, songs, art exhibitions, and documentaries have been posted on social media, reaching tens of thousands of views, especially among young audiences. Thanks to this, Dong Nai’s literature and arts has not only added a voice of emotion but also served as a powerful “soft weapon” in defending the Party’s ideological foundation.

By Minh Anh, Hong Tham -Translated by M.Nguyet, Thu Ha