Everyone knows the great achievements of the founding generals, but few people know that there is such a maverick general among them. He did not love power or glory, but made an astonishing decision after the founding of New China. This general was Gan Zuchang, a founding major general from a poor peasant background. In 1957, at the age of 52, Gan Zuchang made an unusual request to his superiors: resign from the military and return to his hometown to work as a farmer. This decision has left many people in the sense of incredible. Why would a highly decorated founding general make such a choice? What kind of life did he live when he returned to his hometown? What kind of inspiration did his actions leave us?
Gan Zuchang's early life and revolutionary career
In 1905, in a poor peasant family in Lianhua County, Jiangxi Province, a baby boy fell to the ground. This baby is the future founding major general Gan Zuchang. Born in the last years of the Qing Dynasty, Gan Zuchang experienced the hardships of peasant life since he was a child. When he was six or seven years old, he began to work in the fields with his parents, experiencing the bitterness of facing the loess with his back to the sky.
However, the tide of the times is about to change the fate of this peasant child. In 1920, the aftermath of the May Fourth Movement reached Lianhua County, Jiangxi. At the age of 15, Gan Zuchang was exposed to new ideas and began to develop a new understanding of the world around him. In this year, he participated in the activities of some peripheral organizations of the Communist Party of China, which planted the seeds for his future revolutionary career.
In 1927, at the age of 22, Gan Zuchang officially joined the Communist Party of China. This decision became a turning point in his life and set him on the revolutionary path of striving for his ideals. After joining the party organization, Gan Zuchang actively participated in the revolutionary activities of the local area and gradually grew into a staunch communist fighter.
In 1934, the Central Red Army began the famous Long March. As a member of the Red Army, Gan Zuchang participated in this great feat that changed the course of Chinese history. During the Long March, Gan Zuchang and his comrades-in-arms trekked through mountains and rivers and experienced hardships and dangers. He personally experienced thrilling battles such as forcibly crossing the Dadu River and seizing the Luding Bridge, and also witnessed the revolutionary spirit of the Red Army soldiers who were not afraid of difficulties and marched forward bravely.
After the end of the Long March, Gan Zuchang continued to play a role in the revolutionary ranks. When the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression broke out, he actively participated in the anti-Japanese struggle and waged an arduous struggle against the Japanese invaders on the battlefield behind enemy lines. During this period, Gan Zuchang's military talents were fully brought into play and tempered. He led his troops to repel the Japanese attacks many times, defended the security of the base area, and won the trust and support of the masses.
After the victory of the Anti-Japanese War, the civil war between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party broke out. Gan Zuchang once again threw himself into the battle to defend the fruits of the revolution. He participated in many important battles and made important contributions to the final national victory of the Communist Party of China. In 1949, when the People's Republic of China was founded, Gan Zuchang, like many revolutionary fighters, rejoiced and was excited about the upcoming period of peaceful construction.
In 1955, the People's Republic of China conferred the rank of Major General on Gan Zuchang in recognition of his outstanding contributions during the revolutionary war years. This honor is an affirmation of Gan Zuchang's struggle for the revolutionary cause over the past several decades, and also marks a peak in his military career. However, just when many thought that Gan Zuchang would continue to play a role in the army, he made an unexpected decision.
In 1957, at the age of 52, Gan Zuchang made an unusual request to his superiors: he wanted to resign from the military and return to his hometown to work as a farmer. The decision shocked many and sparked widespread discussion. Why would a highly decorated founding general choose to give up his high position and return to the countryside?
Gan Zuchang's decision stemmed from his adherence to communist ideals and his deep understanding of peasant life. He believes that the construction of new China not only needs to make progress in the urban and industrial fields, but also needs to change the appearance of the rural areas and improve the living standards of the peasants. As a Communist Party member from a rural background, he felt that he had the responsibility and obligation to return to the countryside and contribute to the development of the countryside.
The decision and background to return to his hometown to work as a farmer
In 1957, a surprising news spread in military circles: Gan Zuchang, the founding major general of the People's Republic of China, submitted a request to his superiors to resign from the military and return to his hometown to work as a farmer. This decision not only caused a sensation within the armed forces, but also aroused widespread concern and discussion in all circles of society.
In China at that time, being able to become a general was a coveted honor for countless people. Especially for a person like Gan Zuchang who was born in a poor peasant, it is a rare achievement to be able to obtain such a high military rank through his own efforts and contributions. However, just when many thought that Gan Zuchang should continue to use his talents and experience in the army, he chose a very different path.
The background to Gan's request is complex. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the country was faced with tremendous construction tasks, among which the problem of rural development was particularly prominent. As a member of the Communist Party from the countryside, Gan Zuchang was well aware of the poverty and backwardness of the countryside. He believes that as a cadre with rich revolutionary experience and organizational ability, he has the responsibility to return to the countryside and contribute his strength to changing the appearance of the countryside.
In addition, this decision of Gan Zuchang also reflects his adherence to communist ideals. He believes that true Communist Party members should not only command from high positions, but should also go down to the grassroots level and share weal and woe with the masses. Returning to his hometown to work as a farmer was not a step backwards for him, but a way to practice communist ideals.
Gan Zuchang's request was quickly approved by his superiors. The leadership at that time highly praised his decision, believing that it reflected the excellent qualities of a Communist Party member and the purpose of serving the people. This kind of support is not only a personal recognition of Gan Zuchang, but also a kind of guidance for the work style of party cadres.
After receiving approval, Gan Zuchang began to prepare for his return to his hometown. Surprisingly, when the founding major general left the army, he did not take anything of value with him. His luggage consisted of only eight wooden cages containing the breeds of livestock he had purchased while working in Xinjiang. These seemingly ordinary items are treasures in Gan Zuchang's eyes, because he intends to use these good seeds to help farmers in his hometown improve their lives.
News of Gan Zuchang's return soon spread throughout his hometown, Lianhua County, Jiangxi Province. The reaction of the local folks was mixed. Some people are proud of the fact that their hometown has produced such a high-ranking general, but others are puzzled by Gan Zuchang's decision to give up his high position and return to his hometown. However, whether they agree or question, everyone is full of curiosity and expectation about the general's performance after returning to his hometown.
After returning to his hometown, Gan Zuchang did not ask for special treatment because of his status. He moved into a modest farmhouse and began his life as a farmer. He wore ordinary cloth clothes and worked in the fields like other peasants, participating in all kinds of farm work. This behavior quickly won the respect and recognition of the villagers.
The first important thing Gan Zuchang did after returning to his hometown was to introduce the high-quality livestock he brought back to the villagers. He explained in detail the characteristics and breeding methods of these improved breeds, and encouraged everyone to try breeding. This move has opened up new channels for local farmers to increase their income, and has also injected new vitality into the development of local agriculture.
In addition to introducing new varieties, Gan Zuchang also actively promoted advanced agricultural technology. He organized farmers to learn new farming methods, introduce new agricultural tools, and improve land utilization. Under his leadership, the efficiency of local agricultural production has gradually improved, and the income of farmers has also increased.
However, Gan Zuchang's return to his hometown was not all smooth sailing. He faced a number of challenges, including some questioning his identity and resistance to promoting the new technology. However, with the tenacity and perseverance he had cultivated during his military career, as well as his enthusiasm for rural development, Gan Zuchang gradually overcame these difficulties.
As time passed, Gan's efforts began to bear fruit. Under his leadership, the face of his hometown gradually changed, and the living standards of the peasants were also constantly improving. His deeds also gradually spread, and he became a model for the whole country to follow. Gan Zuchang proved with practical actions that a true Communist Party member can make contributions to the people no matter where he is.
Gan Zuchang's agricultural practices and innovations
After returning to his hometown, Gan Zuchang did not rest on his laurels, but actively devoted himself to agricultural practice and innovation. He knows that to change the face of the countryside, traditional farming methods alone are not enough. As a result, he embarked on a series of creative agricultural practices.
First of all, Gan Zuchang set his sights on animal husbandry. He believes that it is difficult to quickly increase peasants' incomes by relying solely on crop farming, and that the development of animal husbandry is a feasible way to get rich quickly. Therefore, he decided to introduce high-quality livestock breeds from Xinjiang to Jiangxi. The decision stemmed from his knowledge of the local livestock industry while working in Xinjiang.
Gan Zuchang brought back eight wooden cages containing high-quality chickens, ducks, sheep and other breeds from Xinjiang. He introduced the characteristics and breeding methods of these varieties to the villagers in detail, and personally demonstrated how to raise them scientifically. At first, many farmers were skeptical of these "exotic species", fearing that they would not be able to adapt to Jiangxi's climate. But Gan Zuchang patiently explained and demonstrated, and finally persuaded some farmers to try farming.
The results are encouraging, with these new varieties not only adapting to the local environment, but also showing excellent growth performance. In particular, the fine-wool sheep in Xinjiang not only grow fast and produce more meat, but also the quality of their wool far exceeds that of local breeds. This success has greatly stimulated farmers, and more and more people are trying to breed these new varieties.
With the development of aquaculture, farmers' incomes began to increase significantly. But Gan Zuchang was not satisfied with this, and he began to think about how to further improve agricultural production efficiency. He noted that there are a large number of cold pulp fields in the area, which have low yields and are difficult to cultivate, which seriously restricts the increase in grain production.
In order to transform the cold pulp fields, Gan Zuchang led the farmers to conduct a series of experiments. They experimented with different drainage methods and studied various ways to improve the soil. After trial and error, they finally found a solution that worked: first dredge the drainage ditches, then plough the land deeply, and then apply organic fertilizer. This method not only improves the soil structure, but also greatly improves the fertility of the land.
After the transformation, the cold pulp field has a new look, and the yield has increased several times compared with before the transformation. This success has greatly encouraged local farmers, who have begun to take the initiative to learn new technologies and actively participate in the transformation of their farmland. Under the leadership of Gan Zuchang, the county's cold pulp fields have been gradually transformed, and grain production has increased significantly.
In addition to developing aquaculture and renovating cold pulp fields, Gan Zuchang also attaches great importance to the construction of rural infrastructure. He is well aware that in order to completely change the appearance of the rural areas, it is necessary to fundamentally improve the production and living conditions in the rural areas. Therefore, he actively organized the villagers to build water conservancy facilities, repair roads, and build public places.
In terms of water conservancy construction, Gan Zuchang led the villagers to build a number of small reservoirs and irrigation canals. These facilities not only solve the problem of irrigation of farmland, but also provide a source of drinking water for the villagers. In terms of road construction, he organized the villagers to build a number of inter-village roads, which greatly facilitated the villagers' travel and the transportation of agricultural products.
Gan Zuchang also paid special attention to the promotion of new agricultural technologies. He often invited agricultural experts to give lectures in the village and introduce advanced planting techniques and pest control methods to farmers. He also encouraged young people to go out and study, and when they return, they can apply what they have learned to agricultural production.
Under the leadership of Gan Zuchang, the village has gradually formed a new type of peasant team that understands technology and can manage. These farmers not only mastered advanced agricultural techniques, but also learned how to adjust the production structure according to market demand. They began to grow cash crops and develop agriculture with special characteristics, thus further improving the efficiency of agricultural production.
Gan Zuchang's agricultural practice and innovation have not only changed the face of his hometown, but also explored a new path for local agricultural development. His practice proves that as long as you are willing to work hard and be good at innovation, you can create remarkable results even in difficult rural areas.
Work hard and lead by example
Gan Zuchang's life after returning to his hometown is a living history of hard struggle. As a founding major general, he could choose a comfortable life, but he chose to share weal and woe with ordinary peasants, and interpreted the true colors of a Communist Party member with practical actions.
At the beginning of his return to his hometown, Gan Zuchang lived in an ordinary farmhouse. The house was dilapidated, with a leaky roof and mottled walls. But he didn't ask for special care, but repaired it himself. He worked with the villagers to collect straw and repair roofs; Paste the walls with mud and fill the cracks. In his view, this is not only a necessary move to improve his living conditions, but also a good opportunity to get closer to the villagers.
Gan Zuchang's clothes are also extremely plain. He was dressed in coarse cloth and sandals, no different from an ordinary peasant. He was advised to dress modestly, after all, as a founding general, but he said, "I am a peasant, so I should wear peasant's clothes." His approach made the villagers feel his sincerity and eliminated the sense of distance from this "big man".
In terms of diet, Gan Zuchang is even more happy with suffering. At that time, living conditions in the countryside were difficult and there was a shortage of food. Like the villagers, Gan Zuchang eats sweet potatoes and wild vegetables as his staple food every day. Even during the Chinese New Year, he did not allow his family to prepare sumptuous dishes, but insisted on sharing weal and woe with the villagers. Once, an elderly man in the village fell ill and had no rice to cook at home. After Gan Zuchang learned about it, without saying a word, he gave the only small bag of rice left in the family to the old man.
In terms of labor, Gan Zuchang is even more preferred. Every day before dawn, he would get up and go to work in the fields. Whether it is planting seedlings, hoeing weeds, or harvesting and threshing, he does it himself. Once, when the village organized the construction of a canal, Gan Zuchang took the lead in jumping into waist-deep muddy water to dig for soil. His clothes were soaked, and his palms were blistered with blood, but he didn't complain. This spirit of hardship and hard work has deeply infected everyone around him.
Gan Zuchang not only worked hard himself, but also asked his family to do the same. His wife, Zhong Huiying, originally worked in the city, but after Gan Zuchang returned to her hometown, she also took the initiative to resign and return to the countryside. The husband and wife worked together to change the face of the countryside. Their children have also grown up in rural areas, and they have participated in labor and experienced rural life since they were young.
In terms of material life, Gan Zuchang is even more strict with himself and his family. There were hardly any valuables in his house, not even a decent piece of furniture. Once, a radio was sent by a superior, which was considered a condolence gift. But Gan Zuchang donated it to the village radio station, where he thought the radio was more needed.
Gan Zuchang's spirit of hard work is not only reflected in his daily life, but also in his attitude towards work. Whenever he encountered difficulties and setbacks, he always rose to the occasion and never flinched. In the process of transforming the cold slurry fields, he often took the lead to work waist-deep in muddy water, and he did not flinch even when the weather was cold.
One year, the village was hit by a severe drought. Seeing that the crops were about to be lost, Gan Zuchang organized the villagers to fight the drought day and night. He took the lead in carrying water to water the ground, often working for more than ten hours at a time. Under his leadership, the villagers worked together to finally survive the difficulties and save the harvest for the first season.
Gan Zuchang's spirit of hard work not only infected the people around him, but also affected the entire region. Under his influence, more and more cadres began to go down to the grassroots level to share weal and woe with the masses. They are no longer on high above, but truly integrate into the masses, understand the needs of the masses, and solve the difficulties of the masses.
As time passed, the deeds of Gan Zuchang gradually spread. People were surprised to find that this once powerful founding general could be so willing to be poor and willing to contribute. His story has become an inspirational role model for countless people, and a vivid teaching material for how Communist Party members should live up to their purpose.
Gan Zuchang's spirit of hard work has not only changed a village, but also influenced an era. He proved with practical actions that as long as there is faith in his heart and strength under his feet, there is no difficulty that cannot be overcome, and there is no ideal that cannot be realized.
Gan Zuchang's spiritual legacy and influence
Gan Zuchang's lifelong struggle and contribution continue to influence future generations after his death. His spiritual legacy has become the driving force that inspires countless people to move forward, and his deeds have become a model for Communist Party members.
On September 30, 1986, Gan Zuchang died of illness at the age of 75. When the news broke, the entire Yongxin County fell into grief. At his memorial service, tens of thousands of people spontaneously came to bid farewell, and the scene was moving. People expressed their respect and nostalgia for the veteran general in various ways. Some farmers brought home-grown grain, and some brought homemade straw sandals, which were the most commonly used items during Gan Zuchang's lifetime.
After Gan Zuchang's death, his deeds did not fade away, but caused greater repercussions in society. Activities to study the spirit of Gan Zuchang began to be organized in various localities, and his story was compiled into teaching materials and became an important part of young people's ideological education.
In 1987, the Jiangxi Provincial Party Committee decided to establish the Ganzuchang Memorial Hall in Yongxin County. This decision was enthusiastically responded to by the local people. Many villagers spontaneously participated in the construction of the memorial hall, some donated money and materials, and some provided labor. After the completion of the memorial hall, it has become an important base for learning the spirit of Gan Zuchang, attracting a large number of visitors every year.
Gan Zuchang's hometown, Sanwan Village, has undergone earth-shaking changes under his influence. The villagers inherited his spirit of hard work and constantly explored new development paths. They develop characteristic agriculture, grow high value-added cash crops, and also carry out farmhouse tourism. Today, Sanwan Village has become a well-known and wealthy village, and the living standards of the villagers have been greatly improved.
In the political realm, Gan Zuchang's influence is equally far-reaching. His deeds have become an important material for education within the party, and many party members and cadres have re-understood the responsibilities and missions of Communist Party members through studying his deeds. Some localities have also launched activities to "learn from Comrade Gan Zuchang" to encourage cadres to go down to the grassroots level to understand the people's situation and solve practical problems.
In the army, the spirit of Gan Zuchang has also been widely inherited. Many military units regard the study of the spirit of Gan Zuchang as an important part of their political education, and cultivate the qualities of arduous struggle and selfless dedication among officers and men. Some units have also organized officers and men to visit and study the Gan Zuchang Memorial Hall, so that the younger generation can feel the lofty character of the revolutionaries of the older generation.
Gan Zuchang's family style and tutoring have also become the focus of social attention. He was strict with his children and did not allow them to take advantage of their father's position for personal gain. His children all work in ordinary positions and live an ordinary and fulfilling life. This kind of family style has become an example for many party members and cadres to learn from, and has also had a positive impact on the entire social atmosphere.
In the world of education, Gan Zuchang's story has been widely disseminated. Many schools have incorporated his deeds into school-based textbooks and organized students to study and discuss. Some schools have also set up study groups named after Gan Zuchang to encourage students to learn from his good qualities. These activities have had a profound impact on the formation of values among young people.
In the field of culture, Gan Zuchang's deeds have also been widely disseminated. Books, movies, and TV series about him have been released one after another, allowing more people to understand this ordinary and great Communist Party member. These works not only record history, but also spread positive energy, and play a positive role in the improvement of social atmosphere.
Gan Zuchang's spirit has also influenced some entrepreneurs. After learning about Gan Zuchang's deeds, some successful people began to reflect on their own life values and devote themselves more to public welfare. Some entrepreneurs funded the construction of Gan Zuchang's hometown, while others funded poor students to complete their studies. These acts continue Gan Zuchang's spiritual legacy to some extent.
Internationally, Gan Zuchang's deeds have also attracted attention. Some foreign media reported the story of this member of the Communist Party of China, letting the world know the excellent qualities of the Chinese Communists. Some foreign politicians and scholars also expressed their admiration for Gan Zuchang's deeds, believing that they embodied the political ethics of the Communist Party of China.
To this day, Gan Zuchang's spirit still inspires countless people. His deeds have become a vivid teaching material for the Chinese Communists not to forget their original aspirations and keep their mission firmly in mind, and his spirit has become an important force for promoting social progress. In the journey of the new era, Gan Zuchang's spiritual legacy will continue to play an irreplaceable role.