TEHRAN Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Ataollah Mohajerani Monday night described reporters as integral parts of society's "nervous system" which reflects the health or illness of the nation.
Speaking at a ceremony held on the occasion of "Reporters' Day" marked every August 7 in the country, the minister underlined "sincerity, honesty and commitment to religious principles" as the prerequisites for dissemination of information in this Islamic country.
Mohajerani pointed to the dynamism of the human mind in the search for knowledge, saying the human mind cannot be locked nor its thoughts confined.
Conceding the fact that journalism is a difficult field, he said that in the final analysis what journalism seeks to confront is ignorance which, in turn, leads to the solution of many problems.
He stressed that news reporting should not be viewed merely as a profession but, rather, as an affectionate relationship between reporters and events which they cover.
The minister said that at times those who are active in the field of news reporting become newsmakers, citing Mahmoud Saremi, the IRNA correspondent who was martyred in Afghanistan in line of duty.
He said a great revolution has taken place in Iran, thanks to the spiritual and moral patronage of the late Imam, adding that it is now incumbent upon all news reporters and writers to revive the rich cultural and civilizational past of Islamic Iran.
Mohajerani said that all should strive for the best and not fall into disillusion and frustration, but rather seek a brighter future for the country, system and leadership.
The ceremony to mark "Reporters' Day" was attended by a number of government officials, including representatives of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, and members of the domestic press.
(IRNA)