The fundamental solution for reducing social problems is books and reading.
According to the correspondent of the Iran Book News Agency (IBNA) in Ilam, Afshin Karimi stated at the ceremony honoring printing and publishing activists and introducing new publications of the year 1404 (Persian calendar): The fundamental solution to counter social anomalies such as addiction, depression, lying, backbiting, and lack of social commitment, is cultural work, and the axis of this cultural work is books and reading.
He continued: In a society where reading is prevalent, social problems decrease.
Karimi further referred to the oral history of literature and poetry in Ilam province, saying: Compiling and publishing past works is of high importance and necessity because the manipulation and distortion of the province’s poetry and literature over time must be prevented.
The Director General of Culture and Islamic Guidance of Ilam Province also emphasized at this ceremony, while congratulating on Book and Reading Week: In a situation where the country faces cultural, economic, and social challenges, reading remains one of the most effective ways to promote public culture.
Ali Helshi continued: Book Week is an opportunity to honor those who have kept the lamp of knowledge burning; those who, despite difficulties, write and publish with love and deliver books to the audience to spread the culture of reading in society. This week is a reminder for officials to reduce obstacles facing activists in the field of books through correct policymaking and providing necessary funds.
Helshi further appreciated the efforts of the ‘Oghlim Hasht’ Cultural and Artistic Institute of Ilam in planning, managing, and implementing book-centric programs of the General Department of Culture and Islamic Guidance in the province.
Malek Shoaei, a researcher, publisher, and university faculty member, also said: There are many capacities in the field of Kurdish and Persian languages in Ilam province, and it is necessary for governmental and responsible institutions to further support these existing capacities.
At the end of the ceremony, top activists and pioneers in the field of books, reading, printing, and publishing were honored and appreciated as follows:
Most Active Publishers in the Province:
- Jowhar Hayat Publications – Sadegh Omidi
- Bashoor Publications – Mohammad Moradinassari
Active General Publishers:
- Ghalam Nameh Publications – Shahriar Shadigu
- Baz Andishi Publications – Somayeh Mohammadi
- Anva-e Adabi Publications – Malek Shoaei
- Sobh Arad Publications – Sabah Shiri
Active Publisher in Academic Books:
- Ilam University Publications – Shokouh Momeni
- Azad University Publications – Aliyeh Dadakhani
- Havar Publications – Batoul Rostami
Active Publisher in Sacred Defense (Holy Defense) Field:
- Soureha-ye Eshgh Publications – Nourmohammad Soufi
Active Publisher in Children’s Field:
- Mehr Ayish Publications – Zeinab Soleimannejad
Active City/County Publishers:
- Chatr Andisheh Publications – Hossein Azizi Nezhad – Dehloran County
- Chamehsara Publications – Yousef Ghohari – Darreh Shahr County
Active Authors (with more works):
- Azadeh Mahmoudian
- Shahin Fooladvand
- Siavash Lotfikar (Author and Translator of the Holy Quran into Kurdish)
Editing, Layout, and Cover Design:
- Mohammad Amin Ahmadbeigi Qajar
- Vahideh Mirzaei
- Sasan Teimouri
- Tanin Jaberi
- Nematollah Davoodian
- Hassan Afshar
Teenage Authors:
- Mohammadparsa Mohammadi
- Elina Asadi
- Saida Hatami
- Rozhin Bozorgi
Media Activists in the Field of Books:
- Zeinab Shahmoradian
- Morteza Hatami (Representative of Iran Book News Agency, IBNA, in Ilam Province)
Children and Young Adults Activist:
- Daryoush Hemmati
IBNA Correspondent in Ilam Honored as Book Activist
In the 33rd edition of Book Week, at the ceremony honoring activists in the field of books, printing, and publishing, Morteza Hatami, writer and correspondent of the Iran Book News Agency (IBNA) in Ilam province, was also honored for his targeted and continuous efforts in reflecting and disseminating news in the field of books, printing, and publishing in the province.
The General Department of Culture and Islamic Guidance of Ilam province honored the cultural and media efforts of IBNA’s representative in the province for the third consecutive year.
The 33rd Book and Reading Week, with the slogan ‘Reading for Empathy,’ is being held from November 14 to 21, 2025.
