Five years have passed since the Vu – Vo Clan of Vietnam held its 8th National Congress. It was a remarkable coincidence that the congress took place on May 7, 2019, exactly on the 65th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory.
Amid unprecedented challenges adversely affecting the clan’s operations, and based on the Charter, the Honorary Chairman and Clan Advisor, former Member of Political Bureau Vu Oanh, following the wishes of an overwhelming majority of provincial clan councils, directed the organization of an Extraordinary Congress, which aimed to elect a leadership team capable of consolidating unity and gradually elevating the clan’s activities, reinforcing its intellectual heritage and contributions to society and the nation.
Honorary Chairman, Clan Advisor of Vu – Vo Clan of Vietnam Vu Oanh, former Member of the Political Bureau, attended and directed the National Representative Congress of the Vu – Vo Clan of Vietnam, 8th term for the period 2019 – 2024.
In the spirit of great solidarity, The Leadership of the 8th term worked tirelessly. Within four months, on September 10, 2019, the Representative Conference was successfully held, unifying all into a single Vu – Vo Clan Council of Vietnam under the chairmanship of Prof. DSc. Vu Minh Giang.
It was expected that after overcoming organizational difficulties, the clan’s activities would progress smoothly. However, unforeseen calamities struck, bringing severe hardships nationwide, including for the Vu – Vo Clan. Natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic paralyzed most activities for over two years. Regular leadership meetings and inter-regional clan exchanges became immensely challenging. Some ideological cracks, which had emerged years prior due to differing perspectives, began to widen. In particular, disagreements intensified over the designation of “Ancestral Founder” for Venerable Ancestor Vu Hon. While this was intended to unify all descendants, the term was not widely accepted and even faced opposition from groups in regions where the historical figures Vu The Lang (Hung Kings era) and Lady General Vu Thi Thuc Nuong (Trung Sisters era) are venerated, as well as from Southern provinces where, according to family records, the Vo clan did not originate from the North.
Despite these mounting challenges, The Leadership of the 8th term remained steadfast in implementing the Resolutions of the Congress. The foremost priority was to heal cracks and strengthen unity within the clan. Numerous heartfelt gatherings and exchanges were held nationwide, culminating in the landmark event “Vu – Vo Under One Roof” in Quang Ninh on September 10, 2023, commemorating the fourth anniversary of the National Representative Conference (September 10, 2019 – September 10, 2023). The event attracted nearly 1,000 Vu – Vo members from across Vietnam and overseas, further cementing clan solidarity and reinforcing the spirit of national unity. This achievement was the result of relentless dedication by those devoted to the clan, treating its growth as a personal and familial mission.
The spirit of mutual support was also evident in disaster relief efforts where the relatives assistance is most needed. During the flooding period in central Vietnam, the Vu – Vo Clan Council of Vietnam issued a call for aid, receiving significant contributions from provinces, businesses, and philanthropists in both cash and kind. A delegation personally delivered heartfelt donations to affected Vu – Vo families in Quang Binh, Quang Tri, and Hue. This compassionate spirit was once again demonstrated during the recent devastation caused by Storm No. 3 in Northern provinces.
The delegation from the Vu – Vo Clan Council of Vietnam, led by President Vu Minh Giang, presented gifts to the clan members in Central Vietnam affected by the storm and flood disasters.
One notable and good development in clan activities is the valuable and effective contributions to the nation and society. During his lifetime, Honorary Chairman and Advisor Vu Oanh once envisioned an elevated role for the clan—one that not only serves its members but also actively participates in national development and defense. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vu – Vo Clan Council, from central to local levels, actively contributed to the national vaccine fund and post-pandemic recovery efforts.
One of the clan’s most outstanding endeavors has been its scholarship and talent promotion initiatives, a defining characteristic of the Vu – Vo clan. For its remarkable contributions, the Vu – Vo Clan Council of Vietnam was awarded a certificate of merit by the Vietnam Association for Promoting Education.
The noble values of the clan trace back to Venerable Ancestor Vu Hon, who founded settlements, established schools, and set moral examples that instilled a legacy of kindness and wisdom in future Vu – Vo generations. Not only was he honored as the Deity of Mo Trach Village but also recognized as a Supreme Deity by successive dynasties. Mo Trach is renowned as a cradle of scholars, and the Vu Hon’s Temple has been recognized as a National Historical Relic, a cultural heritage of the whole nation. To uphold these sacred traditions, numerous localities have restored and constructed ancestral temples. At all levels, the Vu-Vo Clan Council’s attitude of mutual assistance and solidarity is strongly and powerfully displayed.
A remarkable development over the past five years has been the expanding influence and connectivity of the clan. From fewer than 30 provincial councils participating in the 8th Congress, the number has now exceeded 50 nationwide, making the system of Vu-Vo Clan Council in Vietnam, with several provinces forming interim leadership committees in preparation for official council establishments. Notably, overseas Vu – Vo communities have actively engaged, with several councils and liaison groups formed in Europe maintaining close and regular ties with the Vu – Vo Clan Council of Vietnam and contributing enthusiastically to collective endeavors.
Delegates attending the conference for the merger of the Vu – Vo Clan Council of Vietnam took a commemorative photo with Honorary Chairman Vu Mao and President of the Vu – Vo Clan Council of Vietnam Vu Minh Giang (September 2019)
The clan expansion also encompasses diverse social aspects and activities and pays attention towards youngsters. In addition to the municipal councils that are currently in place, specialist organizations have been established, such as the Police Academy Vu – Vo Committee, business and medical professionals’ clubs, youth associations, and cultural enthusiasts’ networks, etc.
Reflecting on the past journey, with invaluable lessons learned and significant achievements attained, the Vu – Vo Clan stands at the threshold of a new era of growth. Rooted in the core values of Kindness, Wisdom, and cultivated traditions throughout generations, Vu – Vo descendants are poised to achieve new milestones, contribute meaningfully to national progress, and bring further honor to their esteemed clan, worthy of their ancestors’ and forebears’ legacy.
Prof. DSc. Vu Minh Giang (People’s Teacher)
