“The world is confronted with the terrible shortage of moral principles and human behaviour. The world expects these behaviours and values to come up and we are endeavouring to secure them.” Dr. Mahdi Mustafawi, Adviser to the President of Iran, expressed these views on the occasion of 30th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution of Iran.
Addressing the media persons at Iran Culture House, New Delhi, Dr. Mustafawi said, “Only cultural and economic relationship cannot bear valid results unless it is established on humanitarian ground.”
He criticised the trend that in most of the countries films are based on the themes of sex and violence. Even the publishers of books and magazines are not lagging in it. This way they are neglecting human values and not promoting friendship among peoples and nations on sound moral principles.
While Dr. Mahadi avoided making any direct political comment, he expressed deep concern over certain powers’ attempt to hold sway over other weaker nations. “We ignore such kind of actions as of little importance,” said Dr. Mustafawi.
Dr. Mustafawi, however, told that cultural activities as drama, films, literature or any other form should include the ethical aspects rather than to project sex, terrorism or unethical themes.
In his address, Dr. Mustafawi appreciated that Iran Culture House, New Delhi is working for the promotion of mutual understanding and cultural cooperation among different peoples in India and Iran on the basis of the principles of common cultural heritage.
He said, “Our aim is to create enduring friendship between Iran and other cultures, and we do this by creating opportunities to connect with the latest skills, ideas and experience from Iran.”
He further added that their activities are to encourage mutual understanding among peoples of different cultures, to preserve and promote cultural heritage and to enhance the cultural activities. Dr. Mustafawi recognised and admired the 800 years long cultural relations between India and Iran.
Dr. Karim Najafi, the cultural counsellor, appreciated the contribution of great poet Rabindranath Tagore, and said, “He had a spiritual connection with Iran. He looked to Iran as the home of culture which was of universal interest and significance.”
Dr. Najafi informed that Iran Culture House has been making efforts to collaborate with different important cultural organisations for organising various cultural activities. He said that he had done it, to some extent, by signing a MoU with Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, etc.
The well-attended meeting was part of the daylong programme to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Islamic Revolution in Islamic Republic of Iran.