Ho Chi Minh's simple life and frugal habits showcased in Hanoi exhibition

An exhibition at the Ho Chi Minh Museum in Hanoi is showcasing the remarkably simple lifestyle and profound moral example of Vietnam's revered leader, President Ho Chi Minh. The display, titled "Ordinary but Noble Examples," is being held for the 14th consecutive year and coincides with several important anniversaries.

This year's exhibition commemorates the 136th anniversary of Ho Chi Minh's birth and the 115th anniversary of his departure to seek a path for national salvation. It also marks the 10th anniversary of the Politburo's directive on studying and following Ho Chi Minh's ideology, ethics, and style. The event aims to inspire attendees by reflecting on the enduring legacy of a leader who embodied frugality and a deep respect for the common people.

A particularly moving section of the exhibition focuses on the personal belongings and daily routines of Ho Chi Minh during his time at the Presidential Palace after 1954. Visitors can see his modest tableware, simple wooden clogs, and the humble brown attire he wore, reminiscent of rural elders. These artifacts underscore his commitment to a life of integrity and closeness to the populace, especially during a period of national hardship and ongoing war.

The exhibition details Ho Chi Minh's daily meals, which typically consisted of simple, traditional Vietnamese dishes like braised fish, boiled water spinach, and pickled vegetables, always accompanied by rice. He ate moderately and sparingly, never leaving food to waste. Staff recall his consistent reminders to cherish every grain of rice, emphasizing that revolutionary cadres must set an example of thrift in their daily lives. His possessions, including porcelain bowls, an aluminum tray, and simple utensils, all reflect a life of profound simplicity and dedication.