Meeting with Thua Thien Hue Weekly in the early days of April - when he heard that he had been honored as one of the 10 outstanding citizens by the Provincial People's Committee, Anh Khoa was still full of enthusiasm.
"I consider myself a Hue lover who wants to find and build new activities and spread the mission of living a useful life for society and for the homeland," Anh Khoa started the story.
How did you feel when the Provincial People's Committee announced that you were one of the 10 outstanding citizens?
I was very emotional. I have received many surprises in my life, but honestly, the feeling of receiving the news that I was the typical face of the province was difficult to describe. I called to share the good news and my happiness with my mother, wife, relatives, and associates, who have always accompanied and supported me in every journey that I pursued. For me, the day I received that news was a very special day.
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| Nguyen Dinh Anh Khoa once joined his partner PUN75 to participate in the fight against COVID-19 |
When mentioning you, people will immediately associate PUN75 with many meaningful activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, the movements to join hands to protect the environment, and the initiator of sports tournaments, etc. For you, where do you see yourself in those activities?
I am like many other people who quietly dedicate themselves to charity, to the community, and to the beloved land of Hue. I think that when I have to do something for the community and society, I have to do it 100% in spirit.
I also think that not only do I do it, but I also have to know how to call on the community, especially young people with a lot of enthusiasm, to help spread the mission of love and social service to everyone in the place where I was born, raised, and inherited the surrounding environment.
Of the many contributions you have made, which is the one that impressed you most?
Of the many community-oriented activities, perhaps the one that impressed me most was the establishment of PUN75. It is an association with many members coming from many regions, classes, and ages. They can be doctors, businesspeople, workers, drivers, etc., among whom there are many young students. No matter what job they do, they all have one thing in common: they are always heading toward a society full of humanity, sharing, and love.
For me, in a society full of changes because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the moment when millions of people had to face death because of its terrible devastation made me feel uneasy. This motivated me to realize that I must do something to support the compatriots and coordinate with the government to create the strength of consensus needed to overcome.
I am proud to have "serving society" like-minded associates who bravely joined me to go to the front line to serve the people to help win the pandemic.
Before you became a volunteer, people knew you were a businessman. Is there a paradox between business and volunteering?
In business, I always think that besides moving my business forward, I have to be responsible for the community and society. In order to do that, besides serving society, you must arrange your time to properly allocate work and family, so we can complete all tasks well.
Doing a lot of good deeds and being recognized by society, do you ever feel pressured or faced a bad reputation?
I think that whatever you do, the word "goodwill" must be put on top. Therefore, when I "have my goodwill and strong mind", the gossip does not make me think much.
On the other hand, I want to keep the flame burning for myself and my associates. I take the joy of work and service as an encouragement to move forward; so, I am not under too much pressure. Of course, if I were afraid of the pressure, I wouldn't do those jobs.
But are there times when you are exhausted and want to give up?
(Thinking) Yes! Many times. But I tried everything to get through. I always motivate myself and always encourage myself and find myself full of energy to move towards the goals that I pursue.
What motivates you to do well in the volunteer work you pursue?
I think it’s simple. The main motivation is to make our lives more meaningful and to spread love and social service to those in need so that they can have a better life. For me, these jobs are still personal motivations, as well as an example for my children to see, learn from, and follow.
Then, when you achieved the title of "Outstanding Citizen", did you feel more pressure on yourself?
To me, achieving this title means, in addition to honor and pride, having a great responsibility to society. But luckily, by my side, there are always like-minded people aiming for good deeds; so, no matter how heavy the responsibility is, we will overcome it.
I also want to add that the title I have today is administratively that of an individual, but to me, it is a collective title for everyone who has accompanied me in doing activities. I would like to dedicate this title to my family and associates, who quietly accompany me on every journey.
What message do you have to send to everyone, especially young people who are enthusiastic about social work towards the community?
There was an older brother who encouraged me, "Choose a meaningful life by making a small contribution to the homeland.” I want to share it with young people who are pursuing volunteer work, and I want to add that we only live once; let's live meaningfully.
Do you mean “living is sharing”?
That statement accurately reflects my current personal situation. That's my life, with the desire to always give something and feel peaceful. Because when we die, we can't take anything with us.
And how long will you continue your volunteer work?
Volunteering is an important mission in my life. I vow to continue this work until I am no longer in the world. In addition, I will always look for the next generation to become new partners to continue this mission.
Thank you so much!