Hawzah News Agency- Participants at the event emphasized the sanctity of human life, particularly that of children, declaring that children must never be made victims of political interests or geographical tensions. Speakers called on the global community to break its silence in the face of oppression, violence, and injustice.
Video message from Leader's representative in India
The ceremony featured a video address by Hojatoleslam Abdolmajid Hakimollahi, representative of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution in India, who expressed gratitude for the outpouring of sympathy from the Indian people following the martyrdom of Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.
He stated that the messages of condolence, prayers, and expressions of affection from India reflect the historic friendship and mutual respect binding the two nations. The representative added that such solidarity during difficult times and moments of grief strengthens the human bonds, fraternity, and brotherhood between nations.
'A wound on the conscience of humanity'
Majid Memon, a prominent jurist and former member of the Indian Parliament, described the Minab tragedy as "a devastating catastrophe for the conscience of humanity," noting that children who had set out for school with hope for a bright future became victims of violence and war.
Stressing that war is never a solution, Memon said conflict only brings destruction, suffering, and mounting human misery. He expressed regret over the lack of an effective global response to the incident and called for international solidarity in the face of such tragedies.
Agha Sultan, a Bangalore-based university professor and social activist, described the martyrdom of innocent children as a wound on humanity's conscience, stating that the killing of 168 children has grieved free-thinking and justice-seeking people across the world. He criticized international institutions, saying that despite various resolutions, real justice and accountability for such crimes remain absent. He invoked the teachings of Imam Hussein (PBUH), framing the stand against oppression and the defense of humanity as a moral and ethical duty.
Deep-rooted Iran-India ties
Brigadier Dr. J.D. Hendi highlighted the historic, cultural, and civilizational ties between Iran and India, noting that both countries have historically withstood external pressures and challenges while maintaining profound human and cultural bonds. He expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of 168 students in Minab, describing the incident as a great tragedy for all humanity, and extended condolences to the families of the victims. He stressed that nations can overcome the most difficult circumstances through patience, unity, and a spirit of sacrifice.
Warning on the human cost of war
Veteran journalist Sudheendra Kulkarni, a former advisor to ex-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, warned of the human consequences of war. He stressed the necessity of protecting civilians, especially children, stating that child safety and welfare must be treated as a global priority, and that the international community must not remain indifferent to the suffering of innocent people.
The event was attended by various scientific, cultural, and media figures, including Dr. Mohammad Hossein Ziaeinia, deputy to the representative of the Islamic Revolution's Leader in India, and Kumar Ketkar, former member of the Rajya Sabha and senior Indian journalist.
A message of empathy through art
A notable feature of the gathering was the wide participation of schoolchildren and an art exhibition centered on themes of peace, friendship, and human compassion. Through their artwork, the young participants voiced their rejection of war and violence while emphasizing the importance of peace, friendship, and the protection of children worldwide.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Dr. Mohammad Reza Fazel, head of the Iran Culture House in Bombay, expressed appreciation to the organizers and attendees. He announced that paintings and artworks created by Indian students will be sent to the Minab school to convey a message of love, sympathy, and solidarity from the children of India to the affected students and families.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to joint efforts to protect children from the consequences of war and violence, calling for the strengthening of human values, peace, and coexistence among nations.
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