A large number of Iranian students and the winners of student Olympiads met the Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, on Sunday, October 31.
At the meeting, the students expressed their views on different issues such as the need for the officials to resist the West's pressures and intimidation concerning Iran's nuclear technology. The students stressed that the Iranian nation has a legitimate right to possess nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
Among other issues brought up by students was the need on the part of government officials to take due measures to promote religious values at universities and also take firm action against economic corruption.
Speaking at the meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei said that the country's progress is dependent on investment in the field of science and technology. The Leader noted that attaching a high status to scholars and scientists in society would help talents to flourish and science and technology to become domesticated, thus ensuring the country's progress and development.
Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized that science and technology were given a boost in the country following the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Referring to numerous achievements in the academic areas and in science and technology, he said that attaching significance to science is the key to the country's progress and development. The Leader, however, made it clear that progress in science and technology should be accompanied by adherence to moral values, piety and self-purification.
At the end of the meeting, evening and night prayers were led by Ayatollah Khamenei. After the prayers, the students broke their fast along with the Leader.