Ngày cuối năm của người Việt ở thành phố khoa học Dubna | VTV24

Key Concepts

• Vietnamese Researchers in Dubna: Focus on the experiences of Vietnamese scientists working at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR) in Dubna, Russia.
• Tet (Lunar New Year) Celebrations: How Vietnamese researchers celebrate Tet while abroad, including challenges and adaptations.
• Scientific Collaboration: The unifying force of scientific goals and national service among researchers from different regions of Vietnam.
• Adaptation & Resourcefulness: Creative solutions to obtaining traditional Tet necessities in a foreign environment.
• Dual Life: Balancing demanding scientific work with maintaining cultural connections and longing for home.

Celebrating Tet at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR), Dubna

The video report focuses on the experiences of Vietnamese researchers, including a couple named Trung, working at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR) in Dubna, Russia. This year marks their fourth Tet (Lunar New Year) spent away from home. Currently, approximately 30 Vietnamese researchers are stationed at various laboratories within Dubna. The report highlights the difficulty many face in returning to Vietnam for the holiday, leading to communal celebrations amongst those who remain.

Challenges of Celebrating Tet Abroad & Resourceful Solutions

A significant challenge is the unavailability of Vietnamese food products in Dubna. Researchers must place orders well in advance – often two to three months prior – to receive necessary ingredients. The report specifically mentions the lengthy process of ordering and transporting goods. This logistical hurdle necessitates early planning and reliance on external supply chains.

A particularly striking example of adaptation is the use of unconventional materials for wrapping bánh chưng (sticky rice cake). Due to the scarcity and high cost of lá dong (dong leaves – traditionally used for wrapping), researchers creatively utilize parchment paper in addition to limited lá dong. This demonstrates a resourceful approach – “cái khó ló cái khôn” (necessity is the mother of invention) – to maintain a crucial Tet tradition. The parchment paper serves as a reinforcing layer to ensure the bánh chưng holds its shape during cooking.

Community & Shared Identity

Despite being geographically distant from Vietnam, the researchers foster a strong sense of community. A small bánh chưng is sufficient to share amongst the families, symbolizing the collective spirit of Tet. The report emphasizes the unifying effect of their shared experience. The researchers originate from all three regions of Vietnam (North, Central, and South) and find common ground in their scientific pursuits. As stated in the report, they are “anh em ba miền tụ tập lại một nơi rất là xa xôi” (brothers and sisters from three regions gathering in a very distant place).

This shared identity is further strengthened by their common goals: “mọi người có chung một cái mục tiêu, mọi người có chung một cái mục đích phân đấu để phục vụ tổ quốc” (everyone shares a common goal, everyone shares a common purpose to serve the nation). Their work at JINR is framed as a contribution to the advancement of Vietnamese science and technology.

Work-Life Balance & Continued Research

Following the New Year holiday in Russia, February represents a peak period of activity in JINR’s laboratories. Vietnamese researchers are granted one day off for Tet, but quickly resume their work involving sample measurements, data analysis, and interpretation of research results. Their work applies nuclear technology to various fields.

The report contrasts the snowy Russian landscape and demanding laboratory work with the internal longing for home. Despite the challenging conditions, the researchers maintain a sense of warmth and connection to their homeland, which serves as a “động lực” (motivation) for their continued dedication to scientific progress.

Conclusion

The video portrays a poignant picture of Vietnamese researchers navigating the complexities of celebrating Tet while working abroad. It highlights their resilience, resourcefulness, and strong sense of community. Their dedication to scientific research, coupled with their unwavering connection to their cultural heritage, underscores their commitment to contributing to the future of Vietnam’s scientific and technological development. The report, delivered by Nhật Linh, a reporter from Vietnamese National Television in Dubna, Russia, concludes with New Year wishes.