What lessons have you learnt from the life of President Souphanouvong?

The President Souphanouvong was a former leader of Laos whose name will remain famous for all time. July 13 marks the 113th anniversary of the birth of this revolutionary hero, who went on to serve as the country’s first President from 1975 to 1991. Vientiane Times asked some local residents what they had learnt from him and how they are attempting to repay his devotion to the nation.
 
Ms Amphone, a businesswoman in Sisattanak district: I’ve been aware of his name since I was small and learned more about him when I was in secondary school. For me, he was one of the great leaders who made many sacrifices to free the people and country from foreign domination. We live in a free country today because of good leaders such as him. I think his aim was to see Lao people enjoy freedom and escape poverty, and for everyone to enjoy the same rights in their homeland. To repay his valiant deeds, I will act with integrity in my work and try to avoid causing any problems, while also trying to solve problems if I can.
Mr Souk, a government official in Chanthabouly district: President Souphanouvong was a person who loved Laos and dreamed of the nation living in freedom. He liked to study and help people. He did many things to gain experience for the benefit of Laos. He showed people that everyone has the same rights and that, if we respect each other, we can live in peace. He was a leader who asked the Lao people to be one united community and to fight for freedom. I advise everyone, including government officials, company staff, business owners and employees, to be fair-minded and truthful and contribute to the development of our country. We should all work together to solve problems in our society and try to move forward by learning as much as we can. Also, we should try to help other people if we are in a position to do so. I think everyone, in both urban and rural areas, can repay his sincerity just by being good citizens and following the right path in life.
 
Ms Chitthavone, an employee in Chanthabouly district: Souphanouvong is a good example of the leaders we should emulate. He did so many things to bring peace and development to Laos. Laos has developed a lot in recent times but problems have arisen because some government officials have not been sincere about their responsibilities. There are many good lessons that Lao people should follow. We should try to broaden our knowledge and capacity so that we can be a part of efforts to develop our country. We can learn honesty and patriotism from President Souphanouvong. Unfortunately, some people think and act primarily for their personal gain. President Souphanouvong led us to build and protect our country, so we should continue building our country for the benefit of successive generations.
Ms Tina Sinkhamvong, a student in Xaythany district: President Souphanouvong will always be among the very greatest of leaders for me. I have learned a lot from stories about him, and I discovered that he was greatly admired for all that he did for his people and country. If we read the stories about him, we can learn so much and try to follow in his footsteps. He was one of the sons of Prince Bounkhong, the last vice-king of Luang Prabang. But he willingly sacrificed his happiness for his people and country. He persevered and battled many hardships for the sake of his country and the revolution. I will learn from his example as I work to develop my family and business and ensure greater harmony in society.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update July 13, 2022)