The principle of “drinking water and remembering the source” – From Gratitude to the Lecturer’s Responsibility

July 27 – A Solemn Pause and an Enduring Legacy in the Flow of History

If Victory Day on April 30 stands as a brilliant anthem of triumph - the culmination of the Vietnamese people’s aspiration for independence and freedom - then July 27 represents a solemn, profound, and sacred pause in the epic history of the Vietnamese nation’s struggle to build and defend the country. It is a moment for the entire nation to pause in remembrance, reflection, and gratitude; a time for each of us to look inward and honor those exemplary sons and daughters of the nation who sacrificed their lives, youth, and dreams to forge the proud and indomitable stature of Vietnam-a legacy forever etched in history.

During his lifetime, President Ho Chi Minh always expressed deep affection, profound concern, and special gratitude toward wounded and sick soldiers, the families of martyrs, and those who had rendered meritorious service to the revolution. He earnestly reminded us: “Wounded and sick soldiers and the families of martyrs are those who have rendered meritorious service to the Fatherland and the People. Therefore, it is our duty to be grateful, to love, and to assist them.” Decades later, these words retain their profound significance. They resonate not only as a sacred call to conscience but also as a guiding principle for the tradition of “drinking water and remembering the source” and as a standard of political responsibility, revolutionary commitment, and moral character for every cadre and Party member today.

This tradition reminds us of a simple yet profound truth: “the peaceful blue skies and tranquility enjoyed in our homes today did not come about by chance. They are the fruits of sacrifices paid for with blood and tears-with wounds that remain etched upon the bodies of soldiers, pain that can still be felt in daily life, and suffering that may intensify whenever the weather changes; and with the long, weary years of waiting endured by mothers and wives on the home front-women who silently bore loss and sacrifice, carrying a profound pain in their hearts no less significant than that of those who went to the battlefield.” Therefore, commemorating July 27 is not merely a moral obligation. It is also a pledge of loyalty to the past and a source of motivation and strength for building the future.

Following Uncle Ho’s Example: Transforming Gratitude into Meaningful and Far-Reaching Action

Within the distinctive academic and research environment of the School of Financial and Banking Technology, studying and following Ho Chi Minh’s ideology, morality, and style, particularly his spirit of gratitude and responsibility, is not a sporadic activity but a regular and ongoing commitment. We understand that the sincerest expression of gratitude does not lie in lavish floral arrangements or grand speeches. Rather, it must be translated consistently into meaningful and substantive contributions aligned with our educational mission and the noble cause of “cultivating people.”

• Emulating Uncle Ho’s compassion and empathy: As those who directly guide the younger generation, we, the faculty, strive to follow Uncle Ho’s deeply humane and thoughtful way of life, particularly his emphasis on practical action. This commitment is reflected in our special attention to students at the Institute who are children of wounded soldiers, martyrs, or people who have rendered meritorious service to the revolution. Our support extends beyond tuition assistance to include dedicated academic guidance, opportunities to access new technologies, and meaningful career orientation. Helping these students succeed academically and professionally is one of the most practical ways for us, together with their families and other policy-beneficiary households, to write a new chapter in this proud tradition through intellectual achievement and resilience in the digital age.
• Emulating Uncle Ho’s spirit of devoted service: Every Party member and lecturer at the School of Financial and Banking Technology should deeply understand that excellence in professional duties is a “command from the heart” and one of the worthiest tributes to the sacrifices made by previous generations. Dedication in every lecture, tireless commitment to scientific research, and transparency and integrity in financial management are essential contributions to building an independent and self-reliant economy. By upholding fairness, responsibility, and humanity in education, we help preserve and advance the revolutionary achievements for which generations of heroic martyrs sacrificed their lives.

Our actions today serve as a bridge connecting a glorious past, a strong present, and a promising future, affirming the commitment and dedication of the intellectual community at the School of Financial and Banking Technology under the University of Finance – Marketing (UFM).

The Responsibility of UFM Lecturers: Innovating to Express Gratitude – Acting for the Future

At the University of Finance – Marketing, expressing gratitude is not merely an act of looking back at the past; it is also a commitment to the future. We draw upon the University’s core values to transform gratitude into a creative and humane process that reflects the spirit of the technological era.

• Building a strong national financial foundation – Safeguarding independence through economic strength: The faculty of the School of Financial and Banking Technology understands that while the sacrifices of our forebears secured national independence, our responsibility today is to safeguard and strengthen the country’s economic independence. With the mission of training high-quality human resources in fields such as Fintech, Finance, Banking, Taxation, and Customs, we actively contribute to the knowledge economy and the digital transformation of society. By developing financial professionals who possess not only technological and analytical expertise but also strong character and professional integrity, we contribute to building a self-reliant and resilient economy. This is one of the most practical ways to safeguard the achievements of previous generations and strengthen national sovereignty in an increasingly interconnected and volatile global environment.
• Digital transformation rooted in humanistic values – Technology for the community: Amid the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the development of financial technology at the School of Financial and Banking Technology must go hand in hand with social responsibility. We encourage students to explore technological solutions to financial challenges not merely for profit but also for the benefit of society. This includes promoting financial inclusion and supporting vulnerable groups - including families of policy beneficiaries and those who have rendered meritorious service to the nation - so that they can gain fair and effective access to modern and secure financial services. Transforming gratitude into practical solutions that contribute to national prosperity is a meaningful tribute to those who sacrificed for the Fatherland.
• Instilling ideals through every lecture – Inspiring the next generation: Lecturers at the School of Financial and Banking Technology do more than impart knowledge through figures, algorithms, and sophisticated financial models. They also empower students to apply that knowledge responsibly and effectively in their future professional lives. An even greater mission lies in thoughtfully integrating historical traditions and civic responsibility into specialized education. We help students understand a profound principle: behind the impressive growth of financial indicators, complex tax systems, and cutting-edge Fintech applications must always stand a solid foundation of patriotism, professional ethics, and social responsibility. Knowledge without humanistic values can become soulless; therefore, every class should be an opportunity to cultivate character and help students recognize that personal success should always be closely connected to the prosperity of the nation.

Through dedication and a spirit of innovation, the faculty of the School of Financial and Banking Technology pledges to transform every lecture and research project into a heartfelt tribute to the fallen heroes, reaffirming our commitment to being a leading center for financial education where knowledge goes hand in hand with national values, professional ethics, and social responsibility.

Conclusion

On July 27 - War Invalids and Martyrs’ Day - and in remembrance of the fallen heroes, the staff and faculty of the School of Financial and Banking Technology reaffirm our commitment to preserving and carrying forward this noble tradition with pride and a deep sense of responsibility.

We commit ourselves to fostering creative thinking, taking distinctive and meaningful action, and pursuing operational excellence while contributing to the nation’s sustainable development. This is the sincerest tribute we can offer and the worthiest way to continue the nation’s glorious journey, ensuring that the flame of gratitude continues to burn brightly in the hearts of every lecturer at UFM.

Tran Thi Mo, Tran Nhan Nghia
Party Cell of the School of Financial and Banking Technology.