Village chief Ksr Y Ghan of Drai village in Dak Lak has been a driving force behind cultural preservation and economic development. His efforts have helped the community retain 20 precious sets of Knah gongs and uplift local livelihoods.

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The gong ensemble of Drai village, Dak Lak. Photo: NVCC

As both the village chief and a respected figure in Drai village (Dliê Yang commune, Dak Lak province), Ksor Y Ghan stands as a shining example of economic development and cultural preservation.

In 2006, trusted by the local community, Y Ghan – a member of the E De ethnic group – was elected as village chief of Drai.

At the beginning of his term, Y Ghan noticed that many households were planning to sell their precious gong sets to antique collectors. Alarmed by the threat to cultural heritage, he made it his mission to protect and preserve these traditional treasures.

Determined and persistent, he visited every household to persuade villagers not to sell their valuable gongs. He emphasized that gongs symbolize prosperity and happiness and are believed to bring divine protection. Thanks to his heartfelt persuasion, Drai village has successfully preserved 20 complete sets of Knah gongs.

In 2010, Y Ghan proposed that local authorities establish a gong performance team for the village, which now includes 20 members. The team has become essential in local ceremonies and festivals and frequently represents the village in provincial cultural events, winning various awards.

To ensure the tradition lives on, Y Ghan and the village management board organize annual gong training classes for youth, supported by the local Department of Culture.

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Village chief Ksor Y Ghan is a model leader in cultural preservation and farming innovation. Photo: Hai Duong

“I’ve always hoped for our people to live better lives while also preserving our beautiful traditions,” Y Ghan shared. “If we don’t safeguard our cultural identity and pass it down, our descendants won’t know their roots.”

In his role as a respected community leader, he also visits families to share government policies and party guidelines. His outreach has helped maintain community harmony and prevent involvement in unauthorized religious activities.

A role model in economic development

Y Ghan is equally influential in promoting economic growth. In 2013, he began intercropping fruit trees like durian and pepper with his four hectares of coffee. Applying modern techniques, his family consistently earns over 1 billion VND (approximately USD 39,000) annually.

Encouraged by his success, he actively motivates fellow villagers to move away from outdated farming practices. Many have now shifted to high-yield intercropping methods. As a result, Drai village, once plagued by poverty, now has only eight households classified as poor, while the number of well-off families continues to rise.

Ksor Y Thong, a local Party official in Dliê Yang, praised Y Ghan as a passionate and energetic leader who has united the community and spearheaded its transformation.

“Village chief Ksor Y Ghan has helped Drai preserve its cultural traditions while guiding its people toward prosperity and happiness,” said Thong.

Hai Duong