The exhibition 'Lotus in Stone' celebrates the spirit and beauty of Vietnamese women

The exhibition consists of three parts: " Ho Chi Minh - The Most Beautiful Name," "Lotus in Stone," and "The Everlasting Fragrance of the Lotus," organized by the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Association in collaboration with the Vietnam Ao Dai Culture Association, the Vietnam Women's Museum, the Con Dao Museum, and Senhouse Vietnam.

Attending the opening ceremony of the exhibition were former Vice President Truong My Hoa; former Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Uong Chu Luu; Associate Professor Dr. Do Van Tru, Chairman of the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Association; President of the Vietnam Women's Union in Europe Nguyen Viet Trieu; Dr. Dang Thi Bich Lien, former Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism; People's Artist Vuong Duy Bien, along with many delegates, former political prisoners and a large number of people and tourists.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Associate Professor Dr. Do Van Tru said, "'Lotus in the Stone' is not only a name rich in symbolism but also conveys a profound message about the vitality, patriotism, and extraordinary resilience of Vietnamese women."

According to him, the lotus symbolizes nobility, purity, and vibrant vitality; while stone is a symbol of challenges and hardships. Each artwork in the exhibition not only recreates the portraits of female political prisoners but also portrays the indomitable spirit, silent sacrifice, and unwavering faith in the future of Vietnamese women during the war.

Speaking at the event, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Con Dao Special Zone Nguyen Van Manh emphasized that throughout the 113 years of the Con Dao prison system's existence (1862-1975), once known as "hell on earth," tens of thousands of revolutionary fighters bravely fought against the brutal repression of the enemy. Among them, the female revolutionary fighters – the "army of long-haired women" – became symbols of courage and self-sacrifice.

He believed that the women were like flowers blooming in prison, maintaining their integrity and readily sacrificing their youth for the independence and freedom of the nation.

Sharing her heartfelt thoughts at the opening ceremony, former Vice President Truong My Hoa, a former political prisoner at Con Dao, said that the 25 portraits in the exhibition are just representative faces of thousands of Vietnamese women who fought and sacrificed in the resistance wars.

According to her, they are "lotus flowers in the stone" – people who do not surrender to the enemy, do not succumb to circumstances, and always maintain a pure soul and unwavering will.

Ms. Truong My Hoa emphasized that the lotus flower is not only a symbol of women but also represents the qualities of the Vietnamese people: nobility, integrity, resilience, and always striving to overcome all challenges to achieve independence and freedom.

Former Vice President Truong My Hoa also believes that, even in today's peaceful times, we still greatly need the "lotus blossoms in the rocks" of the new era.

"Stones" are no longer shackles or prisons, but rather the difficulties and pressures in learning, working, researching, creating, and building the nation. It is in these circumstances that the Vietnamese people continue to be forged with willpower, resilience, and a spirit of overcoming adversity.

The "Lotus in Stone" exhibition not only holds artistic significance but also possesses profound political, historical, and educational value, contributing to honoring previous generations, fostering ideals, and instilling national pride in today's youth.

On the same day, May 12th, delegates attended a Peace Prayer Ceremony at the 914 Pier Historical Site. The program was chaired by the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Association, with the support of many cultural and media organizations.

Speaking at the event, former Vice President Uong Chu Luu affirmed that the Vietnamese people have always cherished peace, but to achieve peace, the Vietnamese people have had to endure countless wars, losses, and sacrifices. Therefore, more than anyone else, the Vietnamese people understand the sacred value of peace, independence, and the right to live in freedom and happiness.

According to him, in a world still fraught with instability, conflict, and division, humanity needs dialogue instead of confrontation, unity instead of hatred, and the cultivation of compassion and shared responsibility to preserve lasting peace for future generations.

At the ceremony, Associate Professor Dr. Do Van Tru, Chairman of the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Association, also emphasized that this is not only a commemorative ceremony but also an opportunity for everyone to express gratitude and reflect on the value of peace – something that has been bought with the blood and lives of many generations.

Pier 914 commemorates the harsh years of forced labor endured by prisoners on Con Dao Island. The number "914" has become a symbol of the sacrifice, loss, and indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people for independence and freedom.