A large group of university students met the Grand Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei on Thursday, April 14.
The students were members of the general assembly of the union of the Islamic associations of universities across the country, known as the Office for Consolidation of Unity (OCU).
In an address to the audience, the Leader referred to the general objectives of all student organizations, emphasizing that student movement which is endowed with insight and discernment, vitality, dynamism, innovation and a strong sense of responsibility is spearheading the national campaign to accomplish the noble objectives of the Iranian people.
Ayatollah Khamenei also touched on the brilliant record and laudable performance of the Islamic associations of Iranian universities both before and after the victory of the Islamic Revolution. He further stated, "Although there are different revolutionary student organizations across the country, what bears significance with regard to the activities of these organizations is formulating a single general objective and using rational, scientific and efficient methods to achieve that objective."
Elsewhere in his statements, the Leader pointed out that spirituality constitutes the essence and soul of the objectives pursued by the Iranian nation. He added that the establishment of a prosperous, free and independent society benefiting from the freedom of expression and a high status in the world is the national goal of the Iranian people and the Islamic government.
"Student organizations are also pursuing the same goal. Besides, considering the special features of student movement such as awareness, liveliness, innovation and the courage to take risks, student movement is considered to be in the vanguard of the nation's campaign to accomplish its noble objectives," the Leader stated.
He went on to say, "However, it should be borne in the mind that efforts to achieve the national goal of the Iranian people should be combined with an essence of spirituality; otherwise, the goal will not be accomplished in an appropriate manner, and some negative results will ensue."
Ayatollah Khamenei further expounded on the basic components of the national objective that is being pursued by the Iranian people and student organizations.
"There is a public campaign to develop the country and bring about its progress and prosperity. Also, in addition to a developed and prosperous country, the Iranian people also aspire for complete freedom from the clutches of the arrogant powers and world bullies; they want to decide and act independently based on their own national interests," he noted.
Further in his remarks, the Leader of the Islamic Republic elaborated on the freedom of speech and expression as another component of the general objective being pursued by the Iranian nation and student movement, describing the freedom of speech as vital for progress and development.
"From the viewpoint of Islam, a society needs freedom, just as air is urgently needed by human beings. We want a society in which the freedom of speech and expression would ensure general progress and prosperity. This point should be given due attention by all student organizations," the Leader noted.
Ayatollah Khamenei further criticized those who have mistaken freedom for sedition and agitation. He stressed that freedom should not be mistaken for corruption, breach of the law and treason.
Turning to the international front, the Leader hinted at some recent remarks made by U.S. officials regarding Washington's plans to take hostile measures against the Iranian nation and launch a subversive campaign against the Islamic government.
He further stated, "Through these remarks, U.S. officials revealed their plans and intended goals in Iran. Thus, if relevant government organs notice that a certain domestic group is helping the enemy accomplish its goals in this country, naturally they will not allow the enemy to pursue its objectives in Iran through such means and under deceptive slogans."
Elsewhere in his statements, Ayatollah Khamenei pointed out that attaining a high international status is another constituent of the national objective that the Iranian people and student movement are seeking to accomplish.
"Attaining this goal is totally contingent on our country's scientific progress. As our young students have shown at various scientific Olympiads and also the way they shone at the recently held World's Young Inventors Competition, it is clear that our young scientists are able to remedy our present scientific retardation by doubling their efforts," he emphasized.
Ayatollah Khamenei also stated, "Considering that the Westerners are currently predominant and holding sway in scientific areas, one should have good command of English in order to understand most of the present scientific theories. We hope that Iran will reach such a high scientific level and status in the world that the Persian language may prove essential for understanding scientific theories."
Further in his remarks, the Leader of the Islamic Republic stated that student organizations should avoid going to extremes in the face of international developments. "Rather, they should decide on and choose the best course of action with regard to these developments based on awareness, insight and a sense of responsibility."
He also told the OCU members, "Student organizations should have a correct understanding of the fact that the Islamic Republic is in the forefront of confrontation and resistance against the satanic global arrogance, and they should always remain vigilant and watchful of the plots and hostile moves of the enemies."
In conclusion, Ayatollah Khamenei described young people as the paragons of sincerity, purity and faithfulness. He stated that although moderate use of the material blessings bestowed on humans by Almighty Allah is something quite natural, the main goal of life is constant refinement of the spiritual essence of mankind and increasing piety and proximity to the Almighty, which is the real asset ensuring salvation and blissful life in the hereafter.