Ayatollah Khamenei the Leader of the Islamic Revolution met this morning with thousands of enthusiastic students and academics of Kurdistan province. In this meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei touched upon the prerequisites of a genuine model of progress and urged intellectuals, elites, and academics to conduct research in order to develop a domestic model of progress.
He stated that progress and justice should turn into a national discourse in the fourth decade of the Islamic Revolution. He further added that plans should be made in order to develop a national model of progress, so that the Islamic Republic and the Iranian nation can take major steps towards progress and administration of justice in the fourth decade of the Revolution.
Ayatollah Khamenei said that the true meaning of progress is different than western conceptions of progress and added: "Despite their numerous differences, there might be similarities between these two models of progress. And these similarities should be taken into consideration."
His Eminence referred to the division of countries into developed, developing, and underdeveloped countries as a clever tactic employed by western countries and reiterated: "In this tactic, the criteria for development are accompanied by western values. Based on their perspective, a developed country is one whose culture, traditions, and political orientation are similar to those of western countries. But we firmly reject such a perspective."
Ayatollah Khamenei said that the historical, geographical, political, and cultural situation of each country is a determining factor in developing its model of progress and added: "Due to the numerous differences in the conditions of the world's countries, the same model of progress cannot be applied by all countries of the world."
Ayatollah Khamenei further reiterated: "Considering the historical and cultural conditions of our country, we cannot follow the models of progress which are currently used in American or European countries. Rather, we should seek to develop a domestic model of progress."
He further stated: "The main responsibility in this regard falls on the shoulders of academics and intellectuals."
Ayatollah Khamenei also said that ethical and moral principles are another determining factor for all nations in developing a model of progress and added: "All countries should consider their own philosophical and ideological principles in order to develop a model of progress which helps them achieve true progress."
Ayatollah Khamenei further referred to some of the positive aspects of the western models of progress and added: "Besides following our national model of progress, we should take into account such positive factors as risk-taking, innovation, discipline, and courage in taking measures."
Ayatollah Khamenei said the integration of justice and progress is another factor which has to be taken into account in developing a national model of progress.
Ayatollah Khamenei explained the logic behind the integration of justice and progress, further adding: "In western models, an increase in GDP is considered an important factor. But from an Islamic point of view, even a significant increase in GDP is not indicative of true progress if there is injustice or a great gap between different social classes."
Discussing the essence and basis of the model of progress, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution referred to the Islamic view of man and added: "From an Islamic point of view, people must try to improve their situation in this world as well as the hereafter. Therefore, a genuine model of progress is entirely different than a model that is solely focused on the material world and ignores spirituality."
His eminence continued his discussion of the genuine meaning of progress by highlighting the prerequisites of a model of progress.
Ayatollah Khamenei referred to independence of the country and avoidance of imitation as the first prerequisite for developing a model of progress.
He said that some countries are advanced in terms of their technology and their capability to create wealth, but are dependant on global powers. "Being a follower of America and other countries is not a sign of progress, and it is worthless. Therefore, the country's independence is of paramount importance in developing a national model of progress," he noted.
The Leader expressed his opposition to globalization in the sense of becoming a cog in the wheel of western capitalism. "In order to actualize globalization in an appropriate manner, all countries have to be able to preserve their political and economic independence."
Ayatollah Khamenei described generation of knowledge as the second prerequisite for an appropriate model of progress and added: "Just as there is a balance in economy between the imports and exports of a country, so there must be an acceptable balance in generation of knowledge."
His Eminence said that fighting the imperialist powers is another prerequisite for developing a genuine model of progress. "No nation has made any progress through inaction and idle waiting," he added.
Ayatollah Khamenei criticized the individuals who find fault with the Iranian nation's spirit of resistance and added: "Now that the Iranian nation and the Islamic Republic have achieved glory, other nations throughout the world learn a lesson form the Islamic Revolution and gain courage when someone discusses the American and Zionist crimes at international gatherings. However, unfortunately, some people feel ashamed inside the country. Similarly, some people who used to serve the evil Pahlavi regime were ashamed of praying in public."
The Leader reiterated: "The explicit and strong stance of the powerful Iranian nation on international issues must always be voiced proudly so that the people of the world realize the greatness of this nation more than before."
His Eminence slammed the people who say the youth have turned their back on the revolutionary ideals and added: "Knowing the fact of the situation, I will never believe these things, and I never have. I am in contact with the youth and university students and I know that they are strongly committed to Islam and deeply interested in it."