Launched in 2001, India’s Republic Day Camp is a program carried out on the Republic Day of India (January 26th) to strengthen understanding, friendship, and cooperation between young people as well as between all people of Vietnam and India. This year, the program hosted the Vietnam Youth Delegation of 15 young people from the age of 18 to 26 who had significant contributions to the Union and Association, and have volunteered in numerous philanthropic activities. 

Attendees coming from many different countries.

Sharing with Ams Wide Web’s reporter, Nguyen Minh Anh—a 12 Biology student (20 - 23), Hanoi - Amsterdam High School expressed her honor and pride for the opportunity to become a member of the Vietnamese Delegation in this year’s program: “I express my utmost gratitude to the Executive Board of the school’s Youth Union for entrusting and nominating me for the delegation. It is no exaggeration to say this is a one-of-a-kind experience for me, especially in my senior year. I have always promised myself to do to the best of my abilities as a representative of Vietnam and make this trip meaningful so as to be worth the chance I’ve been given.” Minh Anh was also surprised to learn that she was the youngest member of the group, which only further fueled her with more appreciation of this opportunity and motivation to give her best and bring the flag of Vietnam to the international stage.

The Vietnamese Delegation meeting senior officials working at the Indian Embassy in Hanoi.

Minh Anh said: “Although this journey has only started not long ago, I have lost count of all the beautiful memories since the first days.” It is known that the Vietnamese Delegation paid a courtesy visit to Mr. Pranay Verma, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India in Vietnam and Military Attaché of the Indian Embassy in Vietnam. During the 17th and 18th of January, 2023, the delegation visited Jaipur city - the capital and largest city of Rajasthan state in western India. On their trip, they visited famous attractions such as the Hawa Mahal palace, Pink City, Jantar Mantar observatory and Amber fortress - all UNESCO-acclaimed World Heritage Sites.

Vietnamese delegates visiting famous heritage sites in India.

During this trip, the Vietnamese delegation also had the opportunity to interact with youth delegates from 18 different countries around the world such as Russia, Sudan, Kazakhstan, the UK, the US, etc. Minh Anh recounted that her most unforgettable experience was the meeting with cadets from Nepal. “Because the delegations of the two countries were in the same car, I had a chance to talk with them. We played Vietnamese and Nepalese songs, and everyone danced and sang together, creating a beautifully happy and comfortable atmosphere. It was also the first time I got to meet and converse with Nepalese teenagers, so it was truly a remarkable experience for me.”

The young delegates created many beautiful memories together here.

Nguyen Minh Anh is one of 15 prestigious delegates of Vietnam in the 2023 Republic Day Camp in India. Before, Minh Anh was known for her exceptional academic achievements. The student had won a United World College scholarship awarded by the UWC National Committee in Vietnam, a full scholarship for the VinSchool - VinUni Interconnected Scholarship program and an IELTS score of 8.0. Furthermore, Minh Anh was passionate about extra-curricular activities. She held many key positions in clubs and projects such as President of Hanoi - Amsterdam Entrepreneurz Club for the term of 2021 - 2022, Former Head of Finance of the Hanoi Model United Nations Organization, member of Ams Advisor Club, etc. Minh Anh was, in addition, the Representative of the Biology faction in Ngay Hoi Anh Tai 2022.

Delegate Nguyen Minh Anh beaming during the visit.

The Vietnamese Youth Delegation’s short visit to India began on January 17th and would end on January 30th, 2023. On January 26th, the delegation would attend India’s Republic Day parade in New Delhi. On behalf of the Ams Wide Web Editorial Board, we wish the 2023 Republic Day Camp a flying success. May the Vietnamese Delegation have a smooth-sailing and memorable trip!

Translator: Trần Linh Ngân - English 2 2124

Image: Self-provided