International Mother Language Day Commemorated: "Mother Tongue and Peace"

Ambassadors of Peace and Friendship Group in Partnership with UN Information Centre (UNIC) commemorate International Mother Language Day by holding a seminar with participation of renowned Iranian poets, writers, artists and scholars at UN conference room on Tuesday 18 February 2020. 

The seminar under the theme of "Mother Tongue and Peace", started by the welcoming remarks of Director of Ambassadors of Peace and Friendship Group Dr Tayebeh Mohammed. Then UNIC National Information Officer Mr Mohammad Rajai-Moghadam briefed the participants on the history and importance of International Mother Language Day.

The keynote speaker of the seminar was poet and researcher on culture and art, Mr Yarata Yaran who elaborated on "Mother Tongue and Peace".

The author of children's books and one of the 2020 Hans Christian Andersen prize finalists Mr Farhad Hassanzadeh delivered his lecture on the subject of “Story means Peace" for the audience.

The third speaker of the conference was Vice President of the Iranian Linguistic Association Dr. Belqeis Roshan who elaborated on "Mother Tongue".

Poet and writer, Mohammad Shams Langroudi addressed the subject of poetry and peace, and delivered a speech on "poetry, a bridge to reality and peace”.

Renowned Iranian writer Mr. Mahmoud Dolatabadi, in his remarks about lost vocabulary, elaborated on the importance of looking for the lost vocabulary of our mother tongue in order to preserve it.

The other speaker of the conference was psychologist Dr. Ali Babaeizad who enlightened the audience by speaking on "Narrative Therapy".

The poet, Mr. Mohammad Saleh Ala, spoke about the differences between different languages of the world and the Persian language.

Prominent Iranian painter Professor Hussein Mahjubi talked about migrants and their mother language.

Renowned  Iranian novelist and writer Mr. Hushang Moradi Kermani, donated a translation of one of his novels entitled “Tricycle” to the United Nations.

The poet, Mr. Mohammad Ali Bahmani, read a poem from his new collection of poems for the audience.

Professor Aliquli Mahmoudi Bakhtiari, briefed the audience on  "The root of vocabulary in the mother tongue".

Eminent sociologist, Professor Hossein Baher, summed up the speakers’ lectures for the participants. He believed the main task is to fulfil all that was mentioned at the meeting.

At the end of the meeting, a painting was given to the renowned Iranian conductor and composer Mr. Loris Tjeknavorian, to honor his efforts for peace.

Traditional music band “Istgah”, made up Oud and Ney players, performed a few Persian pieces for the participants.