This year’s program does more than highlight outstanding achievements and successes across various fields in ethnic minority regions. It also paints a vivid portrait of individuals who dare to think, act, dream, and pursue their ambitions.
Despite the inherent challenges posed by geographical conditions in ethnic minority areas, many local enterprises have managed to bring their products to international markets. These difficulties have also produced professors, PhDs, and other accomplished individuals. These achievements are a testament to a determined journey, undertaken by resilient and resolute people.
The program is divided into three parts: “The First Step”, “Toward the Sun”, “Being Vietnamese”. “The First Step” segment tells stories of pioneers, new ideas, and groundbreaking projects that have sparked change and development in ethnic minority and mountainous regions. “Toward the Sun” section highlights the spirit of overcoming hardship and adversity with optimism and unyielding determination. It emphasizes the idea that when you look toward the sun, shadows fall behind you. The final part “Being Vietnamese” spreads the message of unity and mutual support: “People have roots, just as trees have trunks and rivers have springs”. This segment serves as the program’s main theme, featuring documentaries and artistic performances that showcase the solidarity of Vietnam’s diverse ethnic communities.
In April 1946, when Vietnam was still a fledgling nation, President Ho Chi Minh said: "Whether Kinh, Tho, Muong, Man, Jarai, Ede, Sedang, Bahnar, or other ethnic groups, we are all descendants of Vietnam, all siblings. We live and die together, share joys and sorrows, and help each other in need... Rivers may run dry, mountains may erode, but our unity will never waver".
This proud tradition of common roots has propelled Vietnamese people to great achievements in various fields. The letter written by President Ho Chi Minh has been carved in stone and stands proudly at the Great Unity Square in Gia Lai Province, serving as a lasting reminder for future generations to uphold the spirit of national solidarity. This powerful legacy will be a central feature of Tet with Fellow Compatriots 2025, including a conversation with Do Van Chien, Politburo Member, Party Central Committee Secretary, and Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front.
A unique aspect of this year’s program is the use of on-the-ground reporters who connect directly with studio anchors. This approach brings the stories closer to audiences, making them more vivid and engaging.
The program will feature performances showcasing the vibrant springtime spirit across the nation, especially among ethnic minority communities. Notable artists such as Ngoc Khue, Sen Hoang My Lam, Thanh Thao, Tien Hung, and Ly Mi Cuong will bring their talents to the stage. From VTV’s S14 Studio, Mong artist Ly Mi Cuong will share his journey of bringing the sounds of his traditional flute and khen (bamboo mouth organ) to international music stages. He expressed: "I want to bring the sound of our flute to countries around the world and young audiences, hoping they will feel a sense of responsibility to preserve and develop our cultural heritage. Culture is a foundation and a spiritual anchor for us".
Rich in cultural identity and spreading the spirit of optimism, faith, and the aspiration to overcome challenges, the Tet program themed *"A Thousand Miles of Spring Joy"* serves as a New Year gift for television audiences, especially ethnic minority communities, during the 2025 Lunar New Year. The program will be broadcast on VTV1, VTV5, VTV2, and VTV4 channels of Vietnam Television.
The program will air at 7:00 AM on the first day of the Lunar New Year on VTV1 and at 9:30 AM on the same day on VTV5.