Iranian literati meet Supreme Leader

TEHRAN,Aug.6(MNA) – A group of poets and cultural figures met the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, on Saturday evening. Several Persian-speaking poets from India, Tajikistan and Afghanistan also attended the session, the Institute for the Compilation and Publication of Ayatollah Khamenei’s Works reported on Sunday. In a short speech delivered by the Leader, he said that poetry should both help express the feelings and serve the national values. “Poetry cannot be indifferent to the events going on in the country,” he said. He also expressed his happiness that the contemporary Iranian poetry is paving the right path and added, “This will help Iran once again to present a precious gift to the culture and civilization of the world.” “Poetry can serve religious wisdom and the revolutionary movement and this is possible even through one or two couplets,” he added. In addition, he charged the literati to be more careful and not to turn away from justice. Several poets were next asked to recite their poetry at the meeting, which is held annually on the birthday anniversary of Imam Hassan (AS), the second imam of the Shias.