After twenty years of dedicated effort, historian Nguyen Dinh Tu, at the remarkable age of 104, has earned the esteemed A Prize during the 7th National Book Awards for his extensive research titled Gia Dinh – Sai Gon – Ho Chi Minh City: A Long History (1698–2020).

This is his second time receiving the A Prize, having previously won in 2018 for his work The French Colonial Regime in Southern Vietnam (1859–1954).

Tu shared his immense happiness for this recognition, stating he felt compelled to travel by train from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi for the award ceremony despite his advanced age.

“This award brings me great joy,” Tu remarked. “My work, which I completed entirely on my own, tirelessly and in modest conditions, has been acknowledged as a significant contribution to Vietnamese history. I couldn’t be happier.”

Reflecting on his journey, Tu described the difficulties he faced while creating his books. Early on, he was under pressure to complete his work for the 300th anniversary of Ho Chi Minh City.

“At that time, comprehensive histories of this area were lacking,” he explained. The writing process involved painstakingly collecting information, handwriting drafts, and typing them out on an outdated typewriter.

In subsequent years, as deadlines relaxed, Tu found himself able to gather more extensive research, leading to a more nuanced and complete study. “I was finally satisfied with the richness and thoroughness of my materials,” he commented.

Tu emphasized two significant themes in his book aimed at clarifying misunderstandings and promoting harmony between Vietnam and Cambodia:

He articulated that Vietnamese migration into Cambodia occurred for well-founded historical reasons. “Our people didn’t move there on a whim,” he stated, pointing out that these migrations were initiated by requests from Cambodian kings seeking Vietnamese aid to fend off foreign threats.

He illustrated how Cambodian leaders willingly gave up territories, such as Ha Tien (now parts of Kien Giang, Ca Mau, and Soc Trang) as gratitude for Vietnamese support, a fact documented in Vietnamese, Cambodian, and French historic texts to counter unsubstantiated claims.

“It’s my hope that readers will comprehend these crucial historical events that shaped our nations’ relationship. Instead of reopening past wounds thoughtlessly, we should prioritize creating happiness and cooperation,” he urged.

Even at the age of 104, Tu practices a strict routine to maintain his health and productivity. “I exercise, have a balanced diet, and write daily. Research is my essential nourishment – it’s as vital to me as food,” he stated, often dedicating up to eight hours a day fueled by his passion for history.

Tu expressed concern over the decline in reading among younger generations, who favor mobile devices. “Books provide a depth of knowledge that phones cannot replace,” he advised, motivating young people to regard reading as a lifelong educational journey.

“Reading is a form of learning that continues beyond school. Books are the most thorough teachers, sharing wisdom on all topics.”