Glorious Dividends of Imam Khomeini led Islamic Revolution of Iran
THE strong will & determination of the Iranians post economic & financial sanctions have withstood the acid test thus demonstrating the resolve to progress in adversity too. Some highlights:
Human protection & progression
A, Life expectancy at birth on 1980 base at 51.1 years has been reported in credible international statistics for 2012 at 73.2 years.
Iran’s population in the age band of above 60 years is now 8.3% ahead of many Asian countries, like Pakistan, Bangladesh at 7% & Saudi Arabia at 5%. This improved position is the outcome of policies of good governance, better health care & Human Development Index ( HDI ) & where to be born index. The population from o-14 years at 23.8% & 15-60 year age band contributes 67.9%( a working human force).
B, A decent standard of living. From low category to medium Iran has now numbed to the high category as documented in international ranking. It is expected to touch very high given the success of changed scenario.
C, Human Development index: Iran today stands at 76 out of 187 countries, a significant achievement, with 67% jump over 1980 position. It is a tangible benefit of the revolution.
D, Global physical quality of life ( now called where to be borne index )
Iran spends 4.2% of its GDP on health care, with average per head of $ 300 ie Rs 19000/- yearly. As per 2013 UN documented world index the global average of deaths caused by pregnancy related issues among the women is 47 per one lac, with Iran having average of 21, one of the best in Asia. This provides best opportunity to its subjects for a healthy, safe & prosperous life.
(Bangladesh with 240 deaths, Pakistan 260 deaths, South Asia at 203 deaths per lac speaks itself about physical quality of life index.)
E, The Infant mortality rate of only 15 per annum per thousand live births during 8 year time band of 2007-2015 in Iran is ranked at a better position also. With a score of 5.78 on a scale of 1-10 it ranks IRAN ahead in the list over BANGLADESH, EGYPT, INDONESIA & even RUSSIA, Pakistan & India. (Switzerland at 8.22 is at the top of the world with USA at 7.38 in second spot).
F, Population Growth stability: Iran is more stable at 1.22% per annum than India at 1.25%, Pakistan at 1.49%, Egypt at 1.84%, Malaysia at 1.74% & Algeria at 1.88%
G, As per world bank data, the poverty index of 1.45% of population using poverty line of $ 1 per day has drastically come down to 0.7% of population ie mere 5 lac people in 2010.
It is estimated to have come down significantly in last 4 years.
H, Empowerment of Women in Iran:
Iranian women have secured representation in government, private sector of & now in Parliament too. The country is on its march towards improving labour market participation rate of women to reach to the present world average of 46.8%. In education rapid strides have been recorded by the Iranian women.
Some additional achievements:
Iran’s non oil exports have risen by 24.2% in 10 months till 20-3-2015. Overall exports in 2013 stood at 61.22 bn $ & imports at 64.42 bn $ , with forex reserves at over 68bn $ on 31/12/2013. Inflation is now down to 15% in 2014.
Iranian currency has started appreciating, with some easing on banking & financial transactions & lifting of sanctions on a small level. Investment discussions have started with western companies with arrivals of delegations in Tehran in serial. Country is embarking upon an ambitious programme of creating 8.5 million jobs over next 2 years to reduce unemployment rate to 7% by end of 2016.
What I fervently believe that the Iranian nation is firmly stead fast on adherence to the philosophy of the successful revolution in modern Islamic history scripted by Imam Khomeini & emotionally & religiously carried forward by present leader Ayatollah Imam Syed Ali Khameini, its political leadership & the nation. It is a befitting tribute to the great leader Imam Khomeini (r a ). The wisdom & guidance cemented now has distinguished features: no lack of clarity, no divergence in unified stand of the nation, no ifs & buts, no lack of courage, no fear of failure but only one common understanding of the nation ie to protect their sovereignty, existence & right to live in dignity & harmony.
This is the dream of Imam Khomeini ( r a ), the essence of the revolution and the spirit of the nation ably carried forward under leadership of present supreme leader.
As the progress & prosperity data reveals itself, Iran is perfectly & unambiguously a true example of a progressive nation, farsighted & conscientious leadership, guided by the innovative principles of Imam.
Lastly I would like to extend my tributes to Ayatollah Syed Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini with an inspiring quotation:
Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high & knowledge is free.
Where the words come out from the depths of truth,
Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection,
Where the mind is led by a ever widening thought.
And action thee into that heaven of freedom -Concluded
The author is a columnist and former Executive President J&K Bank. He can be reached at: [email protected]
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