In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
"Martyrdom in the path of God is an everlasting life of honor and a beacon of guidance for nations. Muslim nations should take inspiration from the sacrifices of our devoted fighters in the cause of independence, freedom, and the lofty ideals of Islam, and by standing united, break the barriers of colonialism and exploitation."
— Imam Khomeini, Sahifeh-ye Imam, Vol. 10, p. 420
Once again, a moment of Ashura-inspired devotion and sacrifice has arrived, and the noble people of Iran are called upon to demonstrate that the martyrdom of their loved ones remains, as Imam Khomeini emphasized, a guiding light in the struggle against colonialism and oppression.
One of the defining pillars of the thought of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei (May God have mercy upon him), was his unwavering emphasis on applied education and research—an emphasis rooted in his profound understanding of the country's strategic needs.
He firmly believed that under the pressures of sanctions and economic challenges, only indigenous knowledge and the cultivation of highly skilled professionals could overcome scientific dependency, strengthen food security, and improve national productivity. In this perspective, education and research are not merely academic responsibilities; they are strategic instruments for safeguarding Iran's independence and long-term national strength.
Guided by this vision, the country has witnessed remarkable growth in scientific talent, the expansion of research institutions, and the flourishing of knowledge-based enterprises, all of which have contributed significantly to sustainable development and scientific and technological self-reliance. The Research Institute of Food Science and Technology has consistently endeavored to translate this strategic vision into practice.
Promoting reliance on domestic scientists and researchers to localize food processing technologies, reducing dependence on imported raw materials for the food industry, conducting applied research projects to address the challenges facing the food sector, developing innovative health-oriented food products, supporting problem-oriented doctoral dissertations, organizing scientific meetings, specialized training programs, and industry-related events, as well as hosting the National Food Security Conference, are among the Institute's achievements inspired by this vision—one that recognizes education and research as the driving force behind national development.
Under the current circumstances facing our country, we feel, more than ever before, our responsibility to fulfill the Institute's national mission of "Ensuring Food Security and Food Safety through Processing and Value Creation Based on Knowledge and Technology" in pursuit of Iran's progress and prosperity and in line with the guidance of the martyred Leader of the Revolution.
At this historic moment, with hearts filled with sorrow, we once again renew our commitment to the ideals of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution. We pledge to keep the banner of knowledge and scientific independence flying high and, through the determination, expertise, and dedication of the Iranian people, to build a brighter future for our beloved homeland.
There is no doubt that Iran, empowered by its young generation, distinguished scholars, researchers, and innovators, will continue this path with unwavering strength and determination. Now, as we prepare to bid farewell to our late and visionary Leader, I sincerely invite all faculty members, students, researchers, and distinguished academics, professionals in the food industry, and the respected staff of the Research Institute of Food Science and Technology to participate wholeheartedly in the funeral and burial ceremony to be held in the holy city of Mashhad.
Such a presence is not merely an expression of respect; it is a conscious renewal of our commitment to the path to which this great leader devoted his entire life—a path founded upon knowledge, research, responsibility, and service, and one that will continue to shape a prosperous and dignified future for our nation.