A large group of university chancellors and directors of scientific and research centers met the Grand Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, on Thursday, January 6.
A large group of university chancellors and directors of scientific and research centers met the Grand Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, on Thursday, January 6.
Speaking at the meeting, the Leader called for a scientific renaissance in the country and stressed that the deepening of the belief in the high status of science and scientific centers would prepare the ground for real progress and development. He said the promotion of science in society would raise the honor and self-confidence of Iranian individuals and the nation as a whole.
Referring to the negative consequences of the domination practiced by colonial and Western powers over the past two centuries, Ayatollah Khamenei noted that paying little attention to science and nurturing no hopes of scientific progress have been among the negative results of this domination.
"However, today, we should try to infuse our talented nation with self-confidence and the belief in progress in all scientific areas, the belief that our nation has the ability to make scientific achievements. Universities are one of the most important centers for achieving these objectives," he further stated.
The Leader also expressed satisfaction with the present laudable achievements in scientific areas, but emphasized that the present accomplishments constitute only one single stride, compared with the country's scientific goals, and that greater strides and a more serious scientific campaign should follow.
Ayatollah Khamenei considered the large number of competent professors at Iranian universities to be one of the signs of the great aptitude and talents of the Iranian people. He said that some are sowing despair in academic and scientific circles with the intention of casting doubt on the outstanding scientific capabilities of the Iranian people, but he noted that the Iranian history and civilization as well as the progress made over the past 25 years prove that the great Iranian nation is capable of opening new frontiers in science and making considerable scientific achievements.
The Leader of the Islamic Republic further referred to the characteristics of university professors. He stated that being dedicated to Islam and the revolution, being endowed with national pride and religious zeal, having the spirit of striving to serve the nation, supporting creativity and innovation and being informed of the international issues and the realities of the world are among the features that should characterize any university professor.
Elsewhere in his statements, Ayatollah Khamenei described the cultural aspect of university education as "very important" and hinted at the role that could be played by culture in bringing about the honor, dignity and independence of a nation or in causing that nation to suffer disgrace, humility and abjection. The Leader stressed that culture is in need of fostering, promotion and guidance, and that university chancellors and officials of the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology should perform their heavy responsibilities in this respect.
Ayatollah Khamenei further expressed his support for the political activities of university students and pointed out that the students' political tendencies should be strengthened. He stated that the most important political tendency of the Iranian students is their call for justice. "The support expressed by our students for the oppressed Palestinian nation and their opposition to U.S. bullying are among the manifestations of the students' call for justice," he noted.
The Leader of the Islamic Republic also stated that the massive participation of students in religious ceremonies and in revolutionary rallies is indicative of the sincere and faithful nature of the Iranian youth.