Mohammad Moinfar —
Mr. Moinfar is a researcher, writer and editor in chief of the highly respected literary publication Bagh e Khaboushan. He dedicates this interview to our intellectual elders to recognize their contributions to society.
Dear Mrs. Ahkami tell us about your childhood and adolescent years.
I was born in 1921 in Quchan. My family was highly educated and respected in the community. My father was a physician (Majid M. Ghorashi). His family included health professionals in Quchan. He also was a successful landowner in Quchon. My father passed away in 1961 at the age of 80. My mother, literate for her time, also came from a respected family. I had two sisters and three brothers. My two elderly brothers became successful physicians and engineers and were the first two from Quchan to be accepted to attend Tehran University. My third brother became a teacher and taught history and geography.
There was a short period of time where your education was disrupted can you explain why?
After getting my 9th grade diploma there was an open enrollment for midwifery school in Mashad. After six months of training, when I was going to start the practical training, I did not have the heart to continue. I dropped out of that school and based on the advice of my father, I started teaching in the same school that I did my elementary learning.
At the time of your attendance in school you had the privilege to have a professor called Dr. Shariati who in some ways led the way to the Iranian revolution. If you don’t mind tell us your experience as a student of Dr. Shariati and what your perception was of him as your professor?
During the course of my motherhood and returning to my teaching career, I decided to get my high school diploma, which I received from the teachers school. After a few years of teaching my brother encouraged me to go to Ferdowsi University, Mashad. I started my studies in geography. One of my professors at the university was Dr. Shariati. I had tremendous respect for him because I could see the authenticity in his words and his dedication to his work and cause. My father donated a house for the poor mullahs who lived in the vicinity. It happened that the father of Mr. Khameni lived there. It was in this house that Mr. Khameni ( the leader of the Islamic Republic) was born.
Tell us a little about your husband and how was it that you met him?
He was my dad’s cousin and best friends with one of my brothers. My husband was a kind, loving and gentle man. He was hospitable, caring and a wonderful father who actively participated in raising the children.
Please introduce us to your children.
I have three sons two doctors and one engineer. I also have two daughters and 10 grandchildren who are very dear to me and are successful in their professional lives. All their spouses have been wonderful to me, and I am filled with gratitude for their love. My son Shahrokh’s wife, Nahid has been an active member of her community and has brought awareness about the Persian culture. She with friends initiated the Persian Parade in the NY- NJ area. My son Behzad’s wife Laleh is also a great pleasure to be with. She is always kind and loving. My son Pirous’s wife Dr. Farideh is a successful professor. Dr. Farid, whom I am sure you know, is a professor and physician, and my daughter Simin’s husband. He is a wonderful, kind and caring son-in -law. My daughter Mina’s husband, who was a scientist, passed away some time ago. I take great pride in all of them and am grateful for all they have done for me. I am very lucky.
What did you do during your teaching career?
Our school was the only high school for girls in Quchan. I was the school principal. At this school there were three majors literature, science, and home economics. I was in charge of the home economic section.
One of your accomplishments has been to find and develop the “Women’s Foundation.” Can you go into detail and include what encouraged you to continue on this path?
I and a few other women decided to open an office for the development of women in Quchan and help women and their families, through education and other means. My major intention was for women to get an education, find their independence and become more aware of culture and opportunities that could empower them.
How many members did this organization have?
Approximately 10 members.
What occurred that you were given the Best Mother of the Year title.?
Because of my activism in the community and education, the Governor of Khorasan, in 1977, bestowed this title upon me.
One of your major activities as a teacher and mentor was to create plays and acting roles for your students. Did you ever act in any of your own theatrical events?
No, I did not, we only made sure that the students enjoyed themselves and were taken care of properly.
Did you write your own plays?
No, Mr. Ismaeli would write the plays, but the students were so talented they also played a role in developing it.
You had mentioned in the past that one of your great aunts Bibi Ghorashieh was a poet .
My aunt wrote mostly religious poetry and sometimes wrote poetry that prescribed to social issues as well.
You have lived the life of a model teacher and have experienced both the sweetness of life and its devastation. Can you share with us some of the best and worst experiences?
My most precious moments were the birth of my children. Each time I had a new child I would take time off from school and stop teaching for a while. After my first child I stayed home for 4 years to take care of him. I then returned to teaching.
What was the most devastating?
Losing the ones, I loved was the most devastating. The loss of my brother Mahmoud severely impacted me. He was kind and loving and played a huge role in my life. One of the local papers wrote in his obituary the following:
“A great scholar, an honorable individual and a great Doctor has passed. He was a great human being, he deserved honor and respect as he was a man of integrity and honesty. He dedicated his life to humanity and was of service to his community. All his students, colleagues, friends, and family respected him for who he was, a dedicated honorable individual who until his last breath was of service to mankind. His teachers will never forget the person he was.”
You have traveled many places around the world such as India, England, Egypt the United States, and many other places, is that right?
Yes, I loved being in Egypt, Paris, India , all of it!
Tell us, based on over a century of experience and a lifetime of travels, what recommendation or advice can you give our readers and the young people of this world?
I recommend that our tolerant and humble citizens should not continue to endure the force of oppression and suppression. At all times they should stand up and defend their rights. They should choose a path of honesty, friendship, kindness, and morality, that’s all.
Mrs. Ahkami, on behalf of our publication I thank you for your time and this great interview and wish you all the health and joy in the world. I hope to see you next year for another interview.