ABISHKAR UPADHAYA
LEH: Agha Mahdi Mahdavipour, the Chief Representative of the Supreme Leader of Iran in India, was moved by the love and affection he received from the people of Ladakh during his week-long visit to the Himalayan region which commenced on May 30.
On Tuesday, he concluded his visit and went back but not before sharing his experience, observations, thoughts and proposed initiatives to further develop cultural and other ties between people of Iran and Ladakh with the ‘The Earth News’.
In the interview, Mahadavipour, who visited Kargil for the first time, praised Kargili populace and called them as hard-workers and patriots from the core of their heart.
“I received a warm welcome from all sections of the society. I have seen the atmosphere of brotherhood, peaceful co-existence and amity all around this region. The sense of brotherhood and amity is deep rooted in Ladakhi society and I pray to Allah to maintain it. He also lauded the people of Kargil defending their country and religion. People in Kargil are peace loving and hate extremism.
Expressing happiness over the fast pace of infrastructure development across Ladakh, he said, “I have witnessed development works across Ladakh and the infrastructure is rapidly improving than earlier times. And, the credit for it goes to the Ladakh administration and Govt of India. And, obviously the atmosphere of brotherhood is contributing a lot in this direction.”
The UT administration is taking number of measures for welfare for its people and one such is establishment of Haj House in Kargil which will immensely benefit the Haj pilgrims of Kargil, he further said and added that all the religious leaders of Kargil were present on the occasion which showed that LG Ladakh Brig BD Mishra believes in taking all together.
Speaking about strong bonding between people of Iran and India, he said “More than two lakh people visit Iran annually to perform “Ziarat” and out of this a big chunk is from Ladakh; and we should take this opportunity to further strengthen our ties” and added that Shia Muslims of Ladakh have special cultural and religious bonding with Iran which could be extended to other sectors as well.
“We are working to cooperate with each other in different sectors, especially business. We can coordinate with each to promote tourism and cultural exchange. We are also working to facilitate better facilities for pilgrims from India visiting Iran on Ziarat,” he explained.
“Iran has made tremendous progress in the field of education which is evident from its global ranking in this sector. Presently, more than 3000 students from India are pursuing their studies in Iran in the field of Medical and Engineering. Therefore, there is plenty of opportunity for students of Ladakh to pursue their education in Iran and we will definitely facilitate the process,” he further explained.
On being asked about furthering India-Iran diplomatic ties, the Chief Representative of the Supreme Leader of Iran in India said, “Iran and Indian govt have shared extremely friendly relations since decades and Prime Minister Modiji has already visited Iran and met our Supreme Leader. Now, the Supreme Leader of Iran is expected to visit India to attend the Shanghai Conference which will further strengthen ties between the two nations.”
Mahadavipour also shared his words on the rift between ISK and IKMT, the two prominent religious and cultural bodies of Kargil. “Both ISK and IKMT are doing great work and we are trying to resolve their differences. Earlier also, we stepped in for reconciliation between the two sides and this time too I had dialogue with them. Some big decisions have been taken and hopefully differences will be resolved amicably.”
At last, he expressed his sincere gratitude to the UT administration of Ladakh, both Hill Councils, CECs, and Councillors facilitating their smooth visit and extending them all sort of help.
Pertinently, Mahadavipour had visited Kargil to attend the congregation on demise anniversary of Imam Khomeini that is observed with great zeal and affection by the people of Kargil and explore scope for development of cultural and other ties between Iran and Kargil and also with whole Ladakh. He also attended several programs in Leh also.
