The ninth session of the eighty-third series of educational workshops of Congress 60, specifically for travelers and companions, commenced with the agenda "Foundation" by Mr. Hossein Dezhakam as both the master of the ceremony and the guest speaker and the companion Fariba as the secretary on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at 10:00 AM.
The Guest Speakers’ Words:
When we decided to start Congress 60, we said we would begin the sessions, and if they continued for 14 sessions successfully, then Congress 60 would officially commence its activities. Those 14 sessions were held successfully. We brought a candle with the number zero on it, symbolizing the official start of Congress 60 after the trial sessions. It's similar to how some satellite channels broadcast their programs experimentally at first. Our initiative was also conducted as a trial, and after that, Congress 60 became fully established, and the sessions continue.
Interestingly, back then, we had a treasurer, but we faced several challenges. The treasurer was appointed for 14 sessions, but after 12 sessions, we realized the treasurer had disappeared. It was quite a predicament. So, I asked Majid what we should do. Majid took over, regularly checked everything, and organized the system. Of course, everyone turned against Majid, and I told him, “I’m sorry, but you need to be tough and take the heat because you’re in charge of managing the finances and ensuring nothing goes missing.” Back then, things weren’t as organized or structured as they are now. Sometimes, even the treasurer and the treasury would just vanish. Thankfully, things are much better now!
I’d like to say a few words about Mrs. Ani. She’s doing well and is currently resting. She was the founder of the companions’ group, and honestly, there’s no need for me to praise her as her efforts speak for themselves. We all owe her so much for the hard work she’s done, even though she isn’t with us in today’s session. Her absence is truly felt in this gathering.
God willing, this week is the Foundation Week of Congress 60. I suggested that we talk about the entire of Congress 60 to reflect on its journey. These stories and memories from the past are meant to remind us not to assume that everything was perfect and orderly from day one.
Today, newcomers entering Congress 60 find everything well-organized—there’s a proper space, a roof over their heads, chairs, designated seating, and access to OT syrup. But it wasn’t always this way. For 10 years, we worked directly with opium because OT syrup didn’t exist. We operated in critical and challenging conditions. Members had to procure opium themselves, often facing hardships and even clashes with dealers. Sometimes the substance was good; sometimes, it wasn’t.
In any case, we’ve all arrived at where we are today. I encourage you to talk about those who came before us and about the events that shaped Congress 60, so everyone can understand and be informed about the journey. This will motivate them to put in their own efforts as we all move forward together toward a shared goal.
Our unified purpose is knowledge—specifically, the knowledge of addiction treatment and related subjects, including research and academic work being conducted at universities. I’m very pleased to see that many of our members are continuing their education, which is a very positive and encouraging development.
I’m also deeply grateful to have such strong, steadfast companions—true allies through thick and thin—who are always present and dedicated. Today, the scientific and financial foundations of Congress 60 have become much stronger, and we must continue on this path. Let’s strive to conduct ourselves in a way that ensures we always carry the knowledge, decency, and justice with us.
Alright, it seems there’s a candle and a cake brought in. Place them here on the table. Do we have a birthday song ready? This song must be sung wherever we’re celebrating a birthday.
Alright, light the candle. Let’s see—will this candle last until the end of the song or not? Go ahead, light it. Take that one away; that candle might burn out halfway through.
Thank you, thank you. Well, you should ask me to make a wish. Thanks again. I prefer to call a wish a "desire." When people say "wish," it often refers to something impossible or unattainable. But a "desire" is something achievable.
My wish is for our university to become international—just that one thing. Thank you, thank you.
Hopefully, with God's help, it can become a pioneer in science and knowledge, expanding its reach to other places. Since our university is in a free zone, later on, we can accept students from anywhere without requiring visas. God willing, with everyone’s cooperation, we can achieve this goal. This is our shared desire.
Alright, let me blow out the candle—thank you!
Now, let's sing the Congress 60’s anthem and wrap up the session. Are you ready with the anthem? Will the gifts be given to the watchmen now? The gifts are only given to me by the watchmen, and then I’ll officially end the session. Let’s proceed with the Congress 60’s prayer and conclude the session. I entrust you all to the great God.
Translated by: Marjan
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12/28/2024
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