The Hanoi People’s Committee and relevant agencies in coordination with the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO will organize the celebration of the 650th death anniversary of Chu Van An, one of the most respected educators in Vietnam, stated the Standing Committee of the municipal Party Committee.

Educator Chu Van An. Photo: The National Museum of Vietnamese History

According to the conclusion, the organization of the event is required to be practical and meaningful in accordance with regulations and the situation of the Covid-19 pandemic in the city. Within the framework of the celebration, a delegation of the city leaders will offer incense at Chu Van An Temple in Chi Linh city, Hai Duong province.

The celebration is set to take place at 8pm on November 20 at the capital historic Temple of Literature with the participation of 500 delegates. An art program is expected to be held to commemorate legendary Confucius master Chu Van An and celebrate the Vietnamese Teachers' Day (November 20, 1982 - November 20, 2020).

Hanoi Radio Television will broadcast live the event as well as produce a documentary film about the life and career of Chu Van An.

Renowned educator Chu Van An was born in 1292 in Van Thon village, now part of Thanh Tri district in Hanoi. He is widely considered one of Vietnam’s most respected educators, a man who devoted his life to the humanistic education philosophy, regardless of the wealth of his students. One of his key teachings was learning should go hand in hand with practicing and learning is a lifetime undertaking.

His thoughts and wisdom not only left a lasting legacy on Vietnamese education, but also contributed to promote national humanistic values. Chu Van An’s educational perspective features a number of progressive values considered to be similar to the UNESCO’s four pillars of learning which are learning to know, learning to do, learning to live together, and learning to be humans.