With his own efforts Ramtin Hooshangi, a determined Zoroastrian, rose to become head of the fencing team and also secretary of the Environment Center in Ramsar. In a time when many young Zoroastrians are considering emigration, feeling that their homeland may no longer offer ample opportunities for growth, I spoke with Ramtin to understand his perspective. His message is clear: if we truly want something, we can achieve it, and, in his words, “we should never back down” from our ambitions. The following interview was conducted via WhatsApp.
Can you start by introducing yourself?
I am Ramtin Houshangi, son of Mitra Khosravi and Jamshid Houshangi, born in Tir 1367 [July 1988]. I hold a bachelor’s degree from Tehran University, where he graduated with second grade in aquatic, and a master’s degree in aquaculture from the University of Science and Research, where he graduated with first grade in aquaculture.
I’ve published four articles in ISI journals and authored several other scientific and research papers. My father, known in the Zoroastrian society, to have held the position of successor to the chairperson of the Anjuman in its 47th cycle, also supervising the catering organization, and planner and presenter of Koushk Varjavand programs.
How did you become involved in fencing when your field of study is Environmental engineering?
Though my field is Shilat (the fishing organization) and not environment, I was drawn towards fencing due to personal passion. I’m now a certified Level 3 coach with the Fencing Federation in the foil discipline.
Fencing is an Olympic sport for Iran, with both team and individual competitions. This sport engages all the muscles of the body and requires intense precision, focus, reflexes, speed, agility, and strength. The foil is considered the foundational weapon in fencing.
My interest led me to do further research in this sport, and I eventually joined the Shiroudi Sports Complex, which connected me with the Tehran Province Fencing Board. I completed the coaching courses and earned a Level 3 certification from the Fencing Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran. In 2020, I moved to Ramsar, and by 2022, the Ramsar Fencing Board was formally established under my leadership. I must also acknowledge Mr. Ramin Sarsakht Jannati, Head of Youth Sports in Ramsar, who coordinated with the province and was instrumental in founding the board.
You were appointed as head of the Ramsar fencing team. How did this selection process take place?
I were also appointed as secretary of the Ramsar Environment center with the recommendation of Mr. Ramin Sarsakht Jannati, head of the Sports and Youth Department of Ramsar, and Mr. Mohammad Puriayi, head of the Mazandaran Province fencing team.
Could you elaborate on this process?
The selection took place on the 20th of Khordad, 1402 (June 10, 2023), in the presence of Mr. Ramin Sarsakht Jannati, Mr. Mohammad Puriayi, and Mr. Rasul Aghoushi, the secretary of the Mazandaran fencing board. During this meeting, the responsibility for managing the Ramsar fencing team was formally assigned to me, and with it, the Ramsar fencing board was officially established.
I should also note that the Ramsar fencing team, under my leadership, was recognized as the best sports team in the city in Ordibehesht 1403 (May 2024).
What are your plans for the Ramsar Fencing Board?
Under my leadership, we held our first fencing competition in Ramsar, with the participation of Mr. Seyed Shamsuddin Hosseini, representative of Tonekabon, Abbasabad, and Ramsar in the parliament; Mr. Ramin Sarsakht jannati, head of the Ramsar Sports and Youth Department; and Mr. Mohammad Puriayi, head of the Mazandaran Provincial Fencing Committee.
I’m grateful to have a strong, supportive team by my side, comprised of respected figures from Ramsar. Our collective aim is to serve Ramsar and bring pride to our city through fencing. Our main goal is to train athletes capable of joining the national fencing team, with a focus on cultivating future champions from Ramsar.
We also commit to regular updates by presenting a report every three months and holding team meetings to ensure we meet the expectations of Ramsar’s athletes.
You were also appointed as the secretary of the Ramsar Environment House. How did this appointment come about?
I was appointed as secretary of the Ramsar Environment House by its director. This decision was formally communicated to me in the presence of Mohammad Reza Niyasati, head of the Ramsar Environmental Protection Department, and Mr. Yusuf Sajjadi, director of the Ramsar Environment House.
Could you provide more details on this?
Certainly. My involvement in environmental efforts at the city level and the articles I authored on related topics likely influenced this decision. Mr. Mohammad Reza Niasati and Mr Yusof Sajjadi, director of Ramsar Environment center, saw my commitment and decided to entrust me with this role as secretary of the Environment House.
You wrote a note about invasive species in this province. Can you elaborate on this topic?
I’m grateful that we were able to raise awareness at the city level about invasive species that contribute to the silent extinction of Iran’s native plants, such as oak and maple, and also degrade soil fertility. Some of these articles were published in IRNA and ISNA, and I was particularly pleased that the Salamat News website featured them, indicating that these issues are being taken seriously.
These invasive plant species do not belong to our region or country, and we are unsure how they entered. We only know that they somehow made their way here. The impact of these invasive plants manifests in their consumption of both surface and groundwater, and they are not suitable for livestock feed, further reducing soil fertility.
When soil fertility declines, it negatively affects Iran’s soil, water, and vegetation. It’s important to note that invasiveness isn’t limited to plants; fish, birds, and insects can also be invasive and pose significant threats to our ecosystems, which can be seen as a form of bioterrorism.
Can you tell us about the book “Fish Nutrition with Growth and Safety Approach,” which received recognition from the Faculty of Agriculture at Azad University, Science and Research Unit?
The book Fish Nutrition with Growth and Safety Approach, which was honored by Azad University of Research Sciences, is a practical guide that focuses on the nutritional needs of fish while emphasizing both growth and safety.
Additionally, I authored another book on the reproduction and cultivation of saffron. This was the first book published at the University of Tehran and highlights saffron as a significant export product due to its high nutritional value and demand in other countries. This book is currently being taught at the doctoral level by Dr. Kamran Rezaei.
You also wrote a book that was printed at the army headquarters and presented to the families of Zoroastrian martyrs. Can you elaborate on that?
The book, titled The Application of Biotechnology Science in the Aquaculture Industry, was indeed a challenging and time-consuming project, but I am pleased with the outcome. I co-authored this book with Sadna Qotouri and Dr. Hamid Ramin Shaygan, a 1st Captain of the Sea Commissioner and former head of the Center for Strategic Studies and Theoretical Research of the Navy. It was published in 1402 (2023) by Nastayin Publishing House and was showcased at the Peace and Defense Exhibition of the Army Command and Staff University.
I dedicated this book to the families of Iranian Zoroastrian martyrs. I recently learned that the late Rostam Azarbad was among our sports heroes who lost their lives, adding a personal significance to this tribute.
You mentioned that you dedicated the book to the Iranian Zoroastrian martyrs. Was there a particular reason for this?
First of all, I want to express a critical thought: What have we done for the families of the martyrs that we expect others to do? Have we honored the families of those who sacrificed their lives? Do we show them the respect they deserve? This gesture of dedicating the book was my way of acknowledging the sacrifices made by our martyrs, even if it is just a book that may or may not be read. It reflects the deep respect I hold for them.
I saw two photos of you next to two army generals. Can you explain the context of those photos?
Regarding the photos, I felt it was my duty to highlight these two remarkable figures—two heroes of our country. Regardless of how much I express their bravery, I believe we, as a society, owe a great deal to the legends of our nation.
For instance, does anyone in our society truly know about the 34-day resistance of Khorramshahr during the Iran-Iraq War and how, despite overwhelming odds, the Iranian forces managed to hold their ground? I often reflect on the historical significance of the Qadisiyah Tower in Iraq, where the severed heads of Iranian soldiers were allegedly used in its construction. When Saddam Hussein threatened to attack Iran, he declared his intention to create a second Qadisiyah, but for 34 days, the Iraqi army was stalled in Khorramshahr, thanks to the valiant efforts of the army rangers and the people’s forces.
The command of this significant operation was led by Mr. Hoshang Samadi, the first captain of the navy rangers, who was instrumental in the 34-day saga of Khorramshahr. As an Iranian Zoroastrian, I felt it was my duty to honor this courageous man. The second general, Admiral General Dr. Habibullah Sayari, is the head of the army’s general staff and a key figure in the Khorramshahr resistance. He is affectionately known as the “white-clad general of the seas” and represents the legacy of Darius I and Lady Artemis in protecting the waters of Iran.
A great man whose brave actions have helped preserve the name of the Persian Gulf and maintain the sovereignty of our three islands, Greater and Lesser Tunbs and Abu Musa, is General Dr. Sayari. Known as the “white-clad general of the seas,” he is a military legend and protector of the Persian Gulf and these islands. It was a privilege for me, as an Iranian Zoroastrian, to meet these two esteemed individuals and express my appreciation for their courage, bravery, and service to our country.
General Dr. Sayari’s contributions speak for themselves. The reason our navy operates well beyond the borders of our country today is due to their efforts. The existence of our naval groups—Sahand, Sabalan, Dana, and Taftan—equipped with indigenous knowledge, is a testament to their legacy. They marked a golden decade for the navy, from 2007 to 2017. General Hoshang Samadi is renowned as the commander of the 34-day resistance saga of Khorramshahr.
What are your plans for the future?
Let me share something about myself. We have all faced significant challenges, but I firmly believe in three golden words: “Never back down.” These words resonate deeply with me. However, that doesn’t mean I have never retreated; rather, my retreats have been minimal. If I faced discouragement, I tried my best not to give in. If one door closed, I looked for a way in through the window. If the window was closed, I would find another way to persevere.
I have experienced feelings of discouragement, with perhaps most difficult moment that heppened on 17th day 1401 (7th Jan 2022). I hope no one has to go through such an experience. My motto remains to never retreat. With faith in God, I will continue to move forward.
As a successful young Zoroastrian, my advice to other young people is that emigration is not a solution; it is merely an escape from the challenges of resilience, construction, and prosperity in our homeland.
Final Thoughts:
In conclusion, three honors have been particularly significant in my life. First and foremost, I am grateful for having parents who have selflessly sacrificed for me, and I hope to repay their sacrifices, as I truly have the best parents.
My second source of pride is being an Iranian Zoroastrian. I cherish belonging to a faith that promotes good thoughts, words, and deeds—one that is ancient and, in my view, the best religion.
Lastly, I take great honor in having met two legendary figures of our nation: Captain Hoshang Samadi, the commander of the epic 34-day resistance of Khorramshahr, and Admiral General Dr. Habibullah Sayari, the white-clad general of the seas and heir to Darius I and Lady Artemis in the waters of Iran.
It is vital for us to take pride in our fellow co-religionists, but it is even more essential to ensure that we make our country and our community proud of us.
This is dedicated to the families of the Iranian Zoroastrian martyrs who sacrificed during the eight years of sacred defense.
