On the morning of September 24, 2025, Thuyloi University, in collaboration with the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Center of the Embassy of India, organized a commemorative tree planting ceremony at the Student Square of the university. This meaningful event aimed to further strengthen the cooperative relationship and cultural – educational exchanges between the two countries, while also spreading a message of environmental protection for a greener planet.
The tree gifting and planting ceremony was held within the framework of the global initiative #Plant4Mother, launched by the Government of India to honor and nurture Mother Earth. This initiative seeks to raise awareness about environmental protection and encourage community engagement in preserving nature, taking joint action against climate change, and conserving ecosystems for future generations.
The history of Vietnam – India diplomatic relations can be traced back to cultural and religious exchanges over 2,000 years ago, and was fostered and cultivated by two great leaders – President Ho Chi Minh and Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The two nations have always supported and assisted each other in their struggles against foreign invasion and in the fight for national independence. During the wars against colonialism and imperialism, Vietnam continuously received active, strong, and practical support from the Government and the people of India. In 1958, during his official visit to India, President Ho Chi Minh affirmed: “We believe that this visit will further strengthen the friendship and cooperation between our two countries, while also contributing to the enhancement of solidarity among Asian and African nations and the consolidation of peace in Asia and the world.” Since 1978, the two countries have signed a bilateral trade agreement.
Ms. Monica Sharma, Representative of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Center, Embassy of India, emphasized: “Trees are symbols of life, a legacy we entrust to future generations. We believe that activities like today’s will strongly spread the message of environmental preservation, and at the same time, promote sustainable diplomatic relations and cooperation between India and Vietnam.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Trung Viet, President of Thuyloi University, shared: “Each tree planted today not only adds beauty to our campus but also serves as a vivid testament to the friendship, cooperation, and bond between Vietnam and India. Our students will see this tree every day, and it will also be a reminder of the young generation’s responsibility toward the environment and international friendship.”
Prof. Dr. Nguyen Trung Viet also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Embassy of India, which has served as a bridge connecting Thuyloi University’s staff and lecturers to 190 universities in India under the annual ITEC Scholarship Program. Over the past decade, more than 50 faculty members of the university have been fully sponsored by the Government of India to participate in short-term training courses covering diverse topics. All faculty members, upon completing their ITEC courses, were deeply impressed by the warm hospitality, professional arrangements, and the tremendous benefits they gained during their time in India.
The ceremony concluded with the message that the Vietnam – India Friendship Tree Planting activity not only contributes to building a green – clean – beautiful planet, but also symbolizes the close bond of friendship between the two nations, as well as their joint commitment to protecting the environment, preserving nature, and building a sustainable future for humanity.
Some photos and activities from the tree planting ceremony:
Department of Science, Technology and International Cooperation
Photos: Department of Political and Student Affairs
