The Office of the Supreme Leader

Scientific progress must turn into a national concern

Islamic Revolution Leader Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei urged an academic audience Tuesday to hold fast to scientific researches as a means to promote national grandeur and wealth.

Ayatollah Khamenei touched on one and a half century of scientific backwardness in the past history of the country, adding that in spite of the prolonged spell the Iranian nation managed to find large remedies for the backwardness thank to its abundant talents.

Ayatollah Khamenei appreciated a running 12 year long movement in science and technology in the country in which the nation could make large headways, adding however that the nation by no means must settle for that level of progress.

Ayatollah Khamenei noted that the large scientific and technological headways could be accomplished through a domestic resolve free from any foreign assistance as the Iranian young scientists, talented and confident, could grow up the sapling of science in the country and make it bear fruits.

Ayatollah Khamenei noted the academic audience that wealth was essential to make for the backward spell and accomplish progress, adding that the scientific fold must reach a point of capability where it could generate wealth through scientific achievements and reversibly make the wealth to serve the scientific movement.

"The day when the nation could put seal on its oil wells and earn revenues enough to serve its needs through scientific accomplishments would be a great day," Ayatollah Khamenei said.

Ayatollah Khameneiu reminded the audience of the spiritual side of the world, saying that the audience must steer towards spiritual and Godly directions. He regretted that the Western countries had been monopolizing science and abusing it against human interests and values.

Ayatollah Khamenei then urged the authorities to do more to appreciate top scientific figures and in this regard he especially instructed the IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting) organization to procure the issue.

Ayatollah Khamenei urged the national media not to put sports champions or art figures ahead of scientific personalities in its planning and programs, adding that even though he was an advocate of championship sports, national personalities in science and technology were far more deserved to earn time and consideration in the media.

Ayatollah Khamenei said one must feel honored if it served the country through scientific means, adding that any diligence in this sphere would be worship to God if underpinned by the intention to serve the country and see the nation honored worldwide.
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