THE “ĐẠO HỌC” PROGRAM CELEBRATING THE 950TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF QUỐC TỬ GIÁM (1076–2026)
On January 9, 2026, at the Special National Monument Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám, the Centre for Cultural and Scientific Activities Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám organised a special series of cultural and educational activities. The highlight was a ceremonial procession of 950 Hanoi pupils, together with the art program entitled “Đạo học”.
This meaningful series of events was held to commemorate the 950th anniversary of the founding of Quốc Tử Giám (1076–2026), the first national academy of Vietnam, and also served as a cultural welcome to the New Year 2026.
The activities aimed to revisit and honour the core values of Vietnamese Đạo học (the Way of Learning), while fostering pride and a sense of responsibility in preserving and promoting the nation’s long-standing tradition of respect for learning. Through this, Đạo học is affirmed as a continuing companion in the country’s development in the new era.
Over the course of 950 years of formation and influence, Quốc Tử Giám has been not only the highest educational institution of the nation during the monarchic period, but also a lasting symbol of an educational philosophy grounded in moral principles, knowledge, and social responsibility. The “Đạo học” program was conceived as a continuation of this enduring legacy, reaffirming the sustainable values of Vietnamese education in the modern flow of history—placing human beings at the centre, knowledge as the foundation, and moral integrity as the root.
From 8:00 a.m., the procession of 950 first- and second-grade pupils from primary schools in the Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám ward took place, moving from the inner precincts of Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám to Hồ Văn.
In the evening, through artistic performances featuring the image of the traditional scholar, pupils, and performances by school students, university students, and professional artists, the “Dao Hoc” program depicted the journey of Vietnamese Đạo học — from the historical examination system to the learning spirit of contemporary society.
Attending the program were Assoc. Prof. Dr Bùi Hoài Sơn, Standing Member of the National Assembly’s Committee on Culture and Social Affairs; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Đỗ Văn Trụ, Chairman of the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Association; Dr Nguyễn Viết Chức, former Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Information and former Vice Chairman of the National Assembly’s Committee on Culture and Education; Dr Lê Minh Lý, Member of the National Cultural Heritage Council, along with many other distinguished guests.
Through this program, the cultural and scholarly legacy of Thăng Long – Hà Nội continues to be disseminated in contemporary life, affirming that Đạo học does not belong solely to the past but remains a living source that nurtures character, intellect, and aspirations for the nation’s sustainable development.
Overview of the ceremonial procession
Dressed in traditional áo dài and carrying the emblem commemorating the 950th anniversary of Quốc Tử Giám, the children presented a vivid image of the continuity of the tradition of learning and the spirit of respect for teachers that has spanned generations.
truongthanh
photo: Nguyễn Mạnh Quân
Thành Đông
TL: LH
