To Huu's mark on cultural and artistic orientation work

To Huu is an author who has had a profound influence on Vietnamese revolutionary literature. He is the leading figure of Vietnamese revolutionary poetry, the one who brought this genre of poetry to a new height. However, To Huu's influence on revolutionary literature is not only limited to the creative aspect but is also demonstrated through his leadership and direction.

As a person who has held many cultural and artistic leadership positions (Deputy Secretary General of the Vietnam Literature and Arts Association, Head of the Central Propaganda Department...), To Huu has a deep understanding of the Party and State's guidelines and policies on literature and art. In his literary and artistic work, he has always been consistent with President Ho Chi Minh's viewpoint that "Culture and art are also a front. You are soldiers on that front". Based on Uncle Ho's advice to artists, based on the actual situation of the country's political and social life and literary and artistic activities at different times and stages, he has had timely leadership and direction, demonstrating a sharp and profound perspective on literature and art.

Poet To Huu (front row, sixth from left) with artists in Viet Bac. Photo: VO AN NINH

During the 50s and 60s of the last century, our Party and people were simultaneously carrying out two arduous and challenging revolutions: Building socialism in the North and fighting to liberate the South. To complete these two great tasks, the entire Party, the entire people and the entire army in general, and the literary and artistic class in particular, had to put aside all personal feelings, thoughts and actions, and unanimously believe and act according to the direction of Uncle Ho and the Party Central Committee. Faced with that reality, in his position as the person in charge of the cultural and artistic fields, poet To Huu required that artists must have a decisive attitude, not accept half-heartedness in political awareness and ideology; at the same time, they must devote themselves to the common revolutionary cause, deeply penetrate the worker-peasant-soldier class to understand and create good works about them. To Huu's cultural and artistic directions were completely suitable to the country's situation at that time. Reality has proven that his requirements and orientations have contributed to the development of literature and art in the North in the right direction of "both red and professional", opening a new stage of development, truly becoming a sharp weapon of the Party on the cultural front, contributing to the cause of national liberation and reunification.

Nowadays, the cultural and artistic situation in our country has undergone changes. The whole country is entering a new era of development with the belief and aspiration for a strong Vietnam, artists are joining hands to build a literature and art that is both traditional and modern, integrated with the world . The Party's requirements for artists have also changed compared to the previous period. However, the lesson of being close to the artistic life, always putting the common cause of the Party and the nation above all, left by poet To Huu, still holds true. In any era, the mission of serving the Fatherland and serving the people must always be the first and most determined command of the heart of any patriotic artist.

Dr. DOAN MINH TAM

Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/van-hoa/van-hoc-nghe-thuat/dau-an-to-huu-tren-cong-tac-dinh-huong-van-hoa-van-nghe-848792