My Autobiography for the Internet Users

I was born in Mashhad (Khorasan Province of Iran) on January 27, 1958. According to the traditional norms and practices of my forefathers, I initially completed my primary education and then proceeded to join the seminary for theological studies. In 1977, I began theoretical theological studies at the conceptual level (Kharedge) at the Seminary. I showed great affinity towards arts and politics from the early days of my youth. Martyr Hashemi-nejad, my maternal uncle and Dr. Ali Shariati wielded great influence in shaping my personality prior to the Islamic Revolution of Iran.

I had a super 8 camera with which I used to take short films. Then I edited my films giving them sound track background. With my help, my beloved father used the films and slides as props to present his critical theological lectures at the gatherings of religious-minded people. In addition, I used to listen to foreign radio stations. As adolescence, I used to have regular exchange of correspondence with different cultural and educational centers in the country. I was summoned to SAVAK (an intelligence and security organization during Shah’s regime) twice but due to my juvenile status and as a minor, I was not detained. However, once I was detained at Avin, a political prison for a period of twenty days in 1979 for having made a speech in Rudsar, a town in proximity of Rasht, the seat of Gilan province. I was thoroughly active during the peak of the Islamic Revolution movement. I was involved in all sorts of activities such as making speeches, shooting films, and distributing circulars and the like. When the Islamic Revolution triumphed, I was filled with joy. Due to my special interest in art, photography, and film shooting, I started my work with Islamic Republic of Iran broadcasting (IRIB). I was designated as the programming director general for IRIB Mashhad Branch in 1980. As a programming director general, I used to write articles and closely study the film scripts presented to the department and as I did this, I acquired a lot of experience. In 1983, I was appointed as Director General of IRIB Bushehr and Shiraz branches. I think it was the beginning of one of the best period of my career in presenting very good programs. With my new appointment as Director General of IRI Radio, I was transferred to Tehran, the seat of the nation on August 6, 1983. It was a sensitive period in the history of Iran – we were caught in the maze of an Imposed War with Iraq 1980-1988. This radio station being the principal source of war news dissemination for our nation, we were able to effectively present the news of the onslaught of the war to our people in particular and the world in general, clearly portraying the devotion, sacrifice and the saga of our brilliant intrepid defending soldiers with my superb staff at the radio station. This period showered my career with honor, respect, pride and dignity. I strongly believe that this to be the best period of my service and my staff seem to hold the same opinion. I continued providing service as a director general to IRIR until 1987. I was then assigned a new post as the assistant director general for overseas broadcasting services (IRIB) on September 3, 1988. However, my service as an assistant director general was brief. On December 31, 1988, Hojjatoleslam Seyyed Mohammad Khatami, then the Minister of Culture and Islamic guidance, assigned me as his Deputy Minister in the international affairs. Since I acted as Iran’s chief cultural liaison with the countries across the world, I traveled to different countries. This provided me an excellent opportunity not only to come in close contact with different cultures across the world and become well acquainted with them but it also created golden opportunity to establish closer cultural relations with other nations. This was a great asset for my future undertakings. Due to some circumstances, Mr. Khatami resigned as the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance on July 27, 1992. I did the same immediately. As I was an employee of IRIB, I returned to that organization but I occupied no position for several years. It was Mr. Larijani, IRIB Chief who then decided to assign me to a new post as IRIB representative in Beirut Lebanon. I assumed my new post in Beirut on August 7, 1994. Fortunately, I succeeded in presenting attractive TV programs. I became acquainted with the Arabic world – a new window in my career. During my assignment in Beirut, I tried to acquire new perceptions in the worlds of journalists, writers, thinkers, and educationists. I also learned the art of reciprocity, mercifulness and coexistence between Christians and Moslems. Such an experience has left a deep mark of benignity in my spirit and thought. I was intimately close to the thinkers of Christian community of Lebanon. I have also published a book on the exchange of dialogue between them. When I returned to Iran, with the help and endeavors of my wife, Fahimeh Moussavi-nejad, I was able to establish a center for a dialogue between religions. This center being run under the management of Mrs. Mousavi, is actively engaged in the exchange of dialogues among different religions. When still in Beirut, I once extended an invitation to Mr. Khatami to visit Lebanon. There, he delivered a very interesting speech, which not only drew the attention of Lebanese thinkers but it left an everlasting influence on them.

When Hojjatoleslam Seyyed Mohammad Khatami announced his candidacy to run for Presidential Election, I relinquished my job as an IRIB representative in Lebanon and joined Mr. Khatami in his campaign. When Mr. Khatami won the election in 1996, he designated me as the Chief Secretary of His office on April 4, 1996 in order to conduct his affairs of the Executive Branch. This appointment was due to Mr. President’s special favor towards me and my special attachment towards the Executive Head of Iran.

I have been with President Khatami as one of his closest compatriots during the most trying time of his presidential first and second term. In the second tenure of Mr. Khatami, he appointed me as his Vice President in the Parliamentary Legal Affairs. He wanted me to play a new role in strengthening and cementing the relations between the Executive and Legislative branches.

I have never ceased my function as a politician, active member of the Executive branch, and influential citizen and to that end I have written numerous articles published in various press media, and conducted interviews with various domestic and foreign medias.

I have been a member of the Central Board since the establishment of Rouhanioun Council. It is about two years now that I spend a part of my time in the Internet. I try to scrutinize the news items and other important items, which is shaping our modern world. I also take care to read the messages of our dear citizens. I enjoy reading some of very interesting messages of our dear Iranians.

Finally, the only way to salve Iran would be to bring about reforms that would fully democratize the Iranian society, and that would respect norms and practices of our traditions and religion. I have always held the Late Leader of Islamic Revolution in high esteem and have remained loyal to all his ideals and I treasure being in service of my Iranian people.

I married Mrs. Fahimeh Moussavi-nejad in 1980. We have three issues. They are all girls – Faezeh, Fatemeh and Farideh. I am happy with my marital life and have no complaint whatsoever.