Gohardasht Karaj; Narration of seven months of people marching under the flag of Iran

Karaj - Night gatherings in Gohardasht in the past seven months, with the role-playing of the people's headquarters of the Rajaeeshahr ceremony and the accompaniment of citizens, have turned into a scene of empathy, unity and patriotism.

Arjan Ambassador of the Provinces Group, Hamidreza Abdul Manafi: The nights of Gohardasht Karaj have not been turned off for seven months. Since the first days of the Ramadan war, every night in one of the squares and streets of this neighborhood, a crowd gathers to say that they stand behind Iran and renew their allegiance to the leader of the revolution.

Since the beginning of the Ramadan war on March 9, 1404 and the attacks of America and the Zionist regime on Iran and the martyrdom of Mr. Martyr of Iran and the generals and compatriots, every night the squares and streets of Gohardasht have hosted gatherings focused on defending Iran and declaring allegiance to the leader of the revolution.

The People's Headquarters of Rajaeeshahr, which had been active in religious and revolutionary occasions for about 12 years before, followed some of the programs during this period of organization; An activity that, according to its executive officer, was accompanied by the presence of people beyond the usual circle of participants in religious ceremonies.

In a conversation with Mehr reporter, Jafar Nalchgar, the founder and founder of this people's headquarters, spoke about the background of the formation of the headquarters, how to hold night gatherings, the participation of different groups of people, service and educational programs, as well as the initial planning for relief in crisis situations.

What you will read below is his account of the experience of people's activities in Rajaeeshahr and Gohardasht Karaj.

How was the People's Headquarters of Rajaeeshahr formed and what was the necessity behind its establishment?

About 12 years ago, a group of cultural activists, clerics and concerned people of the region came to the conclusion that religious and cultural activities should be pursued more coherently. For this reason, with the participation of mosques, Basij bases and cultural forces, we formed the People's Headquarters of Rajaeeshahr and started the activities by receiving the necessary permits.

Why did you follow the activities of the headquarters in the streets and among people?

We believed that cultural activity should not be limited only inside the mosque. One of our first experiences was to hold a Ghariban dinner ceremony in the second floor of Rajaeeshahr.

What were the activities of the headquarters before the start of the Ramadan war?

We held programs on various religious and national occasions; From the celebrations of Ahl al-Bayt (a.s.) and half of Sha'ban to Eid al-Ghadir, Fatimiyyah days, 28 Safar and Arbaeen. Holding memorials of martyrs and cultural and revolutionary programs were also part of our activities.

With the beginning of the Ramadan war in March 1404, how did the headquarters enter the organization of night gatherings?

With the beginning of the US and Zionist attacks on Iran, we felt that the presence of people in the square and the street has become more important.

For this reason, we used the capacity of the headquarters to hold night gatherings. Programs were held in different streets and squares of Gohardasht so that citizens of different regions could attend.

Why do you change the gathering place every night?

We want the programs not to be limited to one place and people in different neighborhoods can participate. Moving the place of gatherings would help us to have more communication with the residents of Rajaei area of ​​Karaj city and enable the participation of more people.

Who participated in the rallies in these seven months? Was the attendance of people as you expected?

The presence of some people was unexpected for us.

Citizens participated in the programs that we did not see before in such events. In my opinion, the foreign threat made some people with different views prioritize the issue of defending the country.

What motivations did you observe among the participants?

Based on my observations, a part of the people attended the rallies with the motivation of defending Iran, opposing the attacks of the US and the Zionist regime, and supporting the leadership.

These people may have different views on domestic issues, but they feel responsible for the security and independence of the country.

What structure did the administration of night gatherings need and how many people cooperated with the headquarters?

It has a headquarters, a general assembly and a seven-member board of trustees. Cultural activists, clerics, representatives of mosques, the areas of mobilization of sisters and brothers and some related groups are present in the general assembly. Media, administrative and support departments, ceremonies and regulations, and public affairs are also active.

About 50 to 60 people work in different departments of the headquarters. Three to four processions also cooperate with us, and the total number of forces involved in the programs, according to our estimate, reaches about 150 to 160 people. Of course, all these people are not a constant force and their participation rate changes according to the program.

Do these forces work voluntarily?

Most of the activities are done with the participation of volunteers. People give their time and energy to the collection and everyone undertakes a part of the work according to their capabilities. Providing human resources is one of the most important capacities of the headquarters.

Is public assistance only limited to paying money?

No, aid comes in many forms. Some people give financial help and some give us cars, trucks or equipment.

For example, a friend provided his audio car to the headquarters for about three months. These non-cash contributions played an important role in the continuation of the programs.

Where were the headquarters processions located and what services did they provide?

From the beginning, the processions were stationed in places such as the first floor of Gohardasht, the second floor and in front of the Jame Mosque. Their activity continued with the help of the people, and besides catering, we tried to use the available facilities to respond to the needs of other citizens.

Can you explain about the mobile kindergarten and its services for families?

A friend provided us with a car, which we used for about three months to launch a mobile nursery program. The goal was to provide a space for children in addition to the main programs so that families can attend the programs more easily.

What is the purpose of the "Iran School" program?

A number of teachers and educational activists announced their readiness to hold classes for free for students so that they do not fall behind academically. We welcomed this proposal and tried to prepare the ground for its implementation.

In your opinion, what role did the national aspect of the gatherings have in bringing together people with different views?

I believe that the issue of defending Iran can bring people with different views together. People may disagree about political and social issues, but these differences do not necessarily mean indifference to the country's security and future. Maintaining this solidarity also requires paying attention to people's problems and listening to their different views.

Do you have a plan to continue these social connections after the end of the war?

Our effort is to maintain the created capacity and activities are not limited to a specific period. These connections can be used for educational programs, helping families and solving neighborhood problems. If people's cooperation continues on normal days, its social effects will be more lasting.