The Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei received thousands of teachers from different cities and provinces across the country on Wednesday, May 2.
Speaking at the cordial meeting, which marked the Teachers Day and the martyrdom anniversary of Ayatollah Mortaza Motahhari, the Leader described teaching and instruction as a great undertaking and emphasized the unique role of teachers in sealing the fate of the country and the nation.
Ayatollah Khamenei stated that the role of innovative, persevering and selfless teachers in the progress and prosperity of society is more valuable than the changing of soil into gold. He added that teaching is aimed at turning on the light of guidance and knowledge in the hearts and souls of human beings.
Elaborating on the unique responsibility of teachers, the Leader stated, "Each one of the precious and scholarly and profound works of martyred Ayatollah Mortaza Motahhari, which is the outcome of his activities as a teacher, is like an eternal light in the minds and hearts of the members of our society. Therefore, the worth and merit of teaching in its broad sense is indeed very great."
Ayatollah Khamenei attributed the great significance of teaching and the high status of teachers in society to the unparalleled influence of education on the lives of individuals and on society as a whole. He also referred to the establishment of an independent, moral and virtuous, brave, talented and innovative, law-abiding and persevering society as a goal and ideal pursued by all nations.
"The accomplishment of this noble objective depends on the efforts and perseverance of teachers. This is the reason why teachers enjoy a high status in human communities," Ayatollah Khamenei noted.
Further in his statements, the Leader of the Islamic Republic pointed out that honoring and commemorating teachers under the Islamic system is not mere words, but that it is a reality that originates from the high status of teachers in society and the honor and dignity that is associated with teaching. He added that commemorating teachers is the duty of all members of society and all families and government officials.
Ayatollah Khamenei also assessed as positive the measures that have already been taken by the Ministry of Education.
"An extensive campaign should be launched to streamline the educational system and improve the existing educational material and environment through the utilization of the capabilities of intellectuals and scholars in the country's educational system and by benefiting from the faithfulness and dedication of teachers and their great interest in their jobs, so that a bright future may be ensured for the country's educational system," Ayatollah Khamenei observed.
Elsewhere in his remarks, the Leader of the Islamic Republic described the teachers' community as an upright, virtuous, committed, persevering and patient community. He also referred to the attempts that are being made by the enemies to influence various strata of the Iranian society.
"As it was mentioned in the New Year's Message, the enemies of the Iranian nation are currently seeking to achieve the three goals of preventing the Iranian nation from making scientific progress, imposing economic retardation on our society and fomenting discord and division among the ranks of the Iranian people," the Leader noted.
He further stated, "Teachers, due to the significance and sensitivity of their jobs, are one of the major targets of these plots, as it has been the case over the past 27 years. However, our teachers' community is firmly resisting these plots and machinations, as it has done so in the past."
Ayatollah Khamenei further hinted at the country's forward movement in the scientific, political, economic and defensive spheres.
"Considering Iran's increasing progress and also the spiritual influence of the Islamic Revolution on Muslim nations, the world's dictators are using all their resources and capabilities to stop the Iranian nation. However, the Iranian nation and officials of the Islamic Republic, relying on their wisdom, valor and a sense of collective responsibility and trusting in Almighty Allah, are determined to continue treading this glorious path," Ayatollah Khamenei told the audience.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Minister of Education Mahmoud Farshidi honored the memory of martyred teachers Ayatollah Mortaza Motahhari and Mohammad-Ali Rajayee and Mohammad-Javad Bahonar. He also elaborated on the measures that were taken by the Ministry of Education during the past year to raise the level of knowledge of teachers and students and promote spiritual values among them.
The minister of education further said that the ministry's budget has been increased by 60 percent in order to fulfill the financial requirements of teachers. Farshidi also noted that during the past year some 23,000 residential units were allotted to the staff of the Ministry of Education.