Message of Dr. Hossein Simaei Sarraf

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,

I consider the auspicious coincidence of the month of Mehr, the beginning of the new academic year, with the glorious Week of Sacred Defense and the blessed Week of Unity as a beautiful start to the new academic year. I hope that the spirit of sacrifice, freedom, and the noble teachings of the Prophet of Mercy, along with the mentorship of Imam Sadiq (PBUH), will foster knowledge and spirituality in the university community. This coincidence offers a valuable opportunity for the higher education community to reinforce ethical and rational principles of Islam, and practice the lessons of learning, cooperation, and national unity.

Undoubtedly, the primary condition for the dignified existence of a nation is to benefit from wisdom, knowledge, and commitment to human ethics. The university, as the driving force behind the progress and development of society, not only provides education, research, and technology, but also awakens the curiosity and critical thinking in students. Therefore, universities must prepare students to face the grand challenges of society and live honorably in the social environment.

The national higher education system, with its vast human resources such as professors, staff, and students, has been successful in various fields, particularly in training specialized and committed human resources. It is hoped that with optimal planning and management, the system will also be able to fulfill its social responsibility in addressing the country’s issues through the alignment of all active forces and social movements.

By relying on the infinite power of Allah and seeking the guidance of the Holy Family (A.S.), as well as the support and dedication of the scientists and intellectual youth of this land, we are more determined than ever to work toward establishing educational justice. We strive to protect the rights of university staff, uphold the rule of law, expand rationality in universities, establish dialogue and free thinking, promote the authority of science, establish academic diplomacy, ensure the dignity of university staff, and support the independence, welfare, and peace of academic communities.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the new academic year, the season of growth and blossoming in the garden of knowledge, to all esteemed faculty members, dear students, and hardworking, dedicated staff in universities and research and educational institutions across the country. I wish health and prosperity to each one, especially to the new students. I emphasize that the direction of our activities should be based on scientific governance and cultural excellence, with a focus on quality education, research, technology, and innovation, so that we can play an effective role in addressing the challenges facing our system and country.

I sincerely hope that all of us in academia, with trust in God, and under the wise guidance of Imam Khomeini (RA) and the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, and seeking the pure spirits of martyrs—especially the martyrs of science and academia—will take meaningful steps towards creating a vibrant, healthy, and peaceful academic environment for the future generations of our Islamic homeland.

Sincerely,
Dr. Hossein Simaei Sarraf
Head of the Institute of Physical Education and Sports Sciences
Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology