Academic Elites among Most Important Assets of Country: Ayatollah Khamenei

In a meeting with a group of academic elites and outstanding scientific scholars in the Imam Khomeini Hussainiyah in Tehran on Wednesday, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution urged the Iranian officials to wisely support the elite as well as talented individuals and prevent their loss as much as possible.

The following is a selection of the speech, according to the website of the Leader’s office:

• Talented individuals are among the most important assets of the country, wherever they exist, they create hope.
• I am very grateful to the Almighty God that after the corona problem eased down, this fresh, lively and hopeful meeting was held once again. Truly, the presence of you, especially you young elites, is the creator of hope; Meaning that your presence, wherever it is creates hope. That is why those who do not agree with the progress of the country, do not agree with your presence where it must be.
• The elite are one of the most important human assets of the country. Natural resources are important, geographical locations are important, climatic shape is important, all of these are important, but one of the most important human assets of the country is the existence of the elite. The elite should be considered a huge wealth. When we understand that as a huge wealth, then we try to produce it.
• The university is an important pillar of the country's progress, which mainly is home to the scientific elite. The fact that you see at different times that attempts have been made to close universities and schools to prevent the students or the professors from attending at their classes, etc., is due to the fact that the university plays an essential role. Now, the person who threatens the professors on the phone for not attending his or her classes, - they themselves are not known to be the main agent, the behind-the-scenes agent is important - this is because it is significant for the enemies of the country and its progress to try and cripple, shut down, ruin, and close the university as much as possible.
• Universities are one of the largest obstacles standing in the way of the Arrogant Powers’ domination. We must understand that the world powers aim to dominate, by what means? One day by weapons, deception, or science. The university prevents domination, which means that if you can raise the level of science in the country, you have created an obstacle against domination by the enemy.
• In order for the elite to be able to express their talents and find the opportunity to try, a context is necessary; Sometimes they are ready to work, but the field is not provided for them. This field did not exist during the Taghut period (Shah’s regime), even if it did, it was not among the official policies of the regime. There were many who had good talents, they were ready to try, but they would have been despised. Since the beginning of the revolution I was present in the student and academic groups at the University of Tehran and other universities, and I was constantly in contact with professors and students. I say this with all conviction and can prove it that through the Islamic revolution, the ground created for nurturing the elite.
• Regarding the development of the universities in the country, there is no city without a university or professors and students in it, as they are everywhere in the country, nowadays. The number of students in the country has raised 25 fold in comparison to the early years of revolution, which is a huge number compared the first years of the revolution around 1359, 1360  (Georgian callander 1981, 1982), as I remember, there were about 5,000 professors in the country. Now it is more than 100 thousand.
• The development of science in the country is very valuable, which is one of the fields of creating elites. That means we should really thank our academics who did not let us remain dependent on the West.
• Without exaggeration, I must say that our academic elites became the source of Iran's reputation. You are the young generation of elites. Before you, there were many others in these forty years, who brought honor to the country. In every issue, our scientists entered and focused, they did something admirable in the scientific circles of the world. Now I will tell you some examples here, which you all know of course:
• Achievements of Royan Research Institute in the field of stem cells biology, and simulation of a living animal, which happened and was a rare thing in the world.
• Launching satellite into space that was done only by a few countries. Many (countries) have satellites in space, but they are not theirs and they did not launch them, as just a few countries have done this by themselves. Of course, we fell behind, but we managed and finally did it (because) our scientists concentrated (on it).
• Making humanoid robots in Tehran University is (also) important .
• (We have made) fundamental achievements in the nuclear industry. We are not looking for (making nuclear) weapons and bombs, but this industry itself has many blessings, which we were able to achieve.
• Making advanced missile and drone equipment, which a few years ago when their photos were published, they (the West) said they were photoshopped. Now they say that Iranian drones are very dangerous. Why are you selling them to (a certain) someone?
• Making complex vaccines, especially the coronavirus vaccine and the like.
• Well, these are the things done by the Iranian elite. This brings honor for the country.
• I expect the country’s institutions to support the elites. This support does not mean giving them only money, as giving money is harmful sometimes; Rather, the support should be wise and various aspects should be considered. The elite, whether those who studied in Iran or abroad, have two expectations that should be met, and they are:
• One of their expectations is suitable employment based on their knowledge; Another expectation is the possibility of continuing research and communication with the world's scientific centers. These are the expectations of our elites.
• These are not much expectations. I am aware that the elite who want to join the academic faculty of a university is prevented to do so by all kinds of tricks. Why? Why don't you use these elites? Some of our prominent elites studied abroad, but came back hoping to work, but they (left the country) again because of this behavior. They felt that it is not possible to live here. So what should I expect from these young people whom should have been supported.
• Don't let the elite get discouraged from the university, now the minimum is to be able to enter the university nad find a position. Some people beat the drum of the elite, they keep saying that word, but in practice they discourage, frustrate, and obstruct the elites.