Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – July 13, 1993

We went from home to the Ministry of Information. Mehdi and Yaser also came. My visit lasted until half past five in the evening. In the exhibition, they had arranged the work of all the vice-chairs and managements. I saw all of them and the relevant managers gave explanations; It seemed better than what I imagined.

Around noon [Mr. Shankar Dayal Sharma], the President of India came. They were sitting in Tehran on their way to Ukraine to refuel. They were brought from the airport to the Ministry of Information by helicopter. The Minister of Foreign Affairs was also with him. Fortunately, the helicopter pad is also included

Photo of the meeting with the President of India

We had an open ministry space. Our negotiations were formal. We did not have important content. There was some talk about the records of Persian language in India and the continuity of Persian words and usage in Indian literature and Diwan Asl Hafez and Ferdowsi's Shahnameh. He understands Farsi, but does not speak well. Basically, the elders of India and Pakistan consider knowing Persian terms, poems and words to show politeness and grace.

I gave a speech to the personnel of the Ministry of Information and encouraged them. The prayer was also led by me. We had lunch and a short rest. It was more interesting for me to have a program of the ministry and their technical and educational works and their information strategies and religious and revolutionary spirit.

The Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution had a meeting. The proposal of the Ministry of Guidance regarding the permission to open television to the private sector and other government organizations was in the order, but it was not completed. We only accepted that part of the free time of radio and television should be given to other organizations to run specialized programs at their own expense.

I stayed in my office at night. Efat and Faeze called from London. Efat was a little upset that the doctor wanted to do a biopsy on his liver; I told him to accept. The work is easy and common; I had asked Dr. Malekzadeh.