A long time ago in a distant land, 19^th century Persia, now known as Iran was home to a number of amazing Baha’i scholars. These intellectuals had studied in universities throughout Iran, achieved academic excellence in their fields and were nurtured by both their academics and drew their inspiration from the boundless ocean of the words of Baha’u’llah. Already creeping into the 21^st century, we ask ourselves how the high levels already achieved by these scholars’ contrasts with the suppression of the Baha’i institutions are facing in Iran till this day. Moreover, if the same brilliance has seemingly inspired fewer minds among our brothers and sisters in Iran, what can be done to improve the situation, and restore access to higher education to the youth of Iran?

Organised jointly by the Baha’i Youth Committee for England (BYCE) and the Office of External Affairs on the 11th of February 2007, a zesty mix of Baha’is from all over the UK gathered in a cosy living room to discuss the plight of their brethren in Iran in their efforts to restore their rights to a proper education. Despite the talk of such a depressing predicament, our host Tahirih Danesh kept our spirits high in her cosy living room with Persian sweets and a hearty lunch. With the patient guidance of the OEA’s Dan Wheatley, we harnessed our diplomatic skills to represent this grave subject matter complete with diplomatic tact and skill in preparation to our target receptive audiences, primarily our university academics. Rather than rushing out there on our own without the invaluable guidance and direction which can only be provided by our beloved NSA, this training was meant to prepare us for the challenge of representing our treasured Faith the right way, and not by impulsive action and unfocused, waffly arguments.

Youth, listening intently to the details of the ‘Closed Doors’ campaign.

We studied the official statement of the Closed Doors Campaign, (found at http://denial.bahai.org), and highlighted the key sentences and points which must and needed to be emphasised. We even gained knowledge of the significance of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations of which Iran is a obligated signatory. The study of this document clearly verifies the blatant violation of the treaty by the ruling Iranian regime. We were shown and provided with hard, fool-proof evidence and indication of the double standards of the irresponsible government and respectable universities of Iran in its policies towards education of its peoples, primarily its largest religious ethnic minority the Baha’is.

Having gathered the facts and clearly reiterated the points, established our case and role-played encounters with respected academics and dignitaries, the significance of this Cause became so much more evident. Truly it was a call to action, to show our readiness and our willingness to help the Baha’i youth of Iran get enrolled and be enabled to attend university without unfounded restrictions and religious discrimination. We set about then to make a difference, by approaching academics to issue letters of support to the UN Secretary General, or to the Director General of UNESCO, to the local MP, to the Iranian Ambassador in London, and so on. We were also encouraged to write articles, opinion pieces and letters to the editors in academic periodicals, on relevant websites and blogs, and in the mainstream media (whether print, broadcast or online). We have seen the fruits of the Iranian education system when decades ago some of the greatest Baha’i scholars were produced therein. Daresay it is time to relight the flame and bring about the intellectual emancipation of the Baha’is of Iran.

This cradle has sheltered our Beloved Faith from the violent winds of tests for one hundred and sixty four years now. Alas, the winds of tests continue to rock it back and forth, threatening its very existence. Our 300,000-strong community must and needs be granted access to education if they are to evolve and survive, for the Master himself has said, “the children of men are in need of education and civilization, and they require to be polished, till they become bright and shining.” What’s more, the Blessed Beauty has spoken of the need to regard one another as gems of inestimable value, and how “education can, alone cause it (mankind) to reveal its treasures and enable mankind to benefit therefrom.” The time is have to act is already short. What’s more we must make haste, yet be quick to think and tactful in our responses. Without a shadow of doubt, we must be confident that we will successfully resolve this issue and emerge stronger, with amplified steadfastness and securely confirmed in good time so long as we persevere and let deeds, not words be our adorning.

by Rajiv Perumal, Nottingham