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Return-to-roots trip to Con Dao: A Journey of Gratitude by the core staff of Ton Duc Thang University

In the reverent atmosphere of the days of July - the month dedicated to expressing gratitude to those who fell for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland - the delegation of core staff from Ton Duc Thang University, led by Dr. Tran Trong Dao - University President, embarked on a meaningful return-to-roots trip at the Con Dao Historic Site. This trip was not only a journey of gratitude on the occasion of War Invalids and Martyrs’ Day (July 27), but also an opportunity for the university’s leadership to remember President Ton Duc Thang - a staunch revolutionary fighter who was imprisoned here for 15 long years.

Con Dao - a sacred land amid the sea, a place marked by so much pain yet also an enduring symbol of the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people. Setting foot on this historic land, each step of the delegation seemed to slow down before every moss-covered wall and each dark solitary confinement cell – where thousands of communist revolutionaries were once held, especially at the infamous Tiger Cages. The delegation listened to haunting stories about the brutality of the colonial regime and, above all, the steadfast spirit of those revolutionaries.

One deeply emotional stop for the group was the heroes’ graves at Hang Duong Cemetery - the final resting place of thousands of revolutionary fighters, including the heroine Vo Thi Sau. In the silent space filled with solemn incense smoke, each member of Ton Duc Thang University’s delegation silently promised their forebears to carry on their ideals, dedicating themselves wholeheartedly to the cause of education and national development.

This trip also carried special significance as it returned to the very place where the revolutionary fighter Ton Duc Thang - the first President of a unified Vietnam and the inspiration behind the University’s name and educational philosophy - had been held captive. Throughout 15 years of harsh imprisonment on Con Dao, he remained resilient, steadfastly holding onto his revolutionary faith and exemplifying moral character, willpower, and a spirit of service - the core values that Ton Duc Thang University today inherits and fosters.

Dr. Tran Trong Dao, the President of the University, shared: “This is not just a trip back to the roots, but a journey returning to the fundamental values that the University has always safeguarded: ethics, the spirit of overcoming challenges, steadfastness, and patriotism. The more deeply we understand the life of President Ton Duc Thang, the prouder and more motivated we are to continue developing Ton Duc Thang University into a world-class university with a strong national identity.”

With reverent footsteps on the sacred ground of Con Dao, the delegation of Ton Duc Thang University’s core staff once again etched the lessons of history into their minds, gaining further resolve in their journey to serve the cause of education, foster human development, and contribute to building a powerful Vietnam.

Some images from the return-to-roots trip:

 

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At exactly 7:00 AM on July 24, 2025, the delegation departed from the main campus.
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After arriving in Con Dao, the delegation gathered and proceeded to the scheduled destinations.
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The delegation visited the Con Dao Museum.
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The tour guide introduced the prison system on Con Dao.
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The delegation toured Phu Tuong and Phu Hai Prison Camp.
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The delegation took a commemorative photo at Cell No. 9 – where the steadfast revolutionary Ton Duc Thang was once held.
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The delegation visited Hang Duong Cemetery and offered incense at the memorial monument.
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The delegation paid respects at the grave of Heroine Vo Thi Sau at Hang Duong Cemetery.
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The management training content integrated into the return-to-roots program created a profound educational impact.
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The delegation visited Hang Keo Cemetery.