Exclusive Interview with Dr. Javad Taleschi Yekta on Madadkar News
The Head of the Association and His Associates Don’t Represent Social Work; The Root of Our Pains Lies in an Unholy Alliance of the Old Guard
Madadkar News: Dr. Taleschi Yekta, thank you for your time. The Iranian social work community is currently witnessing a great deal of upheaval and debate rooted in the past. In your recent conversation with us, you pointed to some crucial issues that have resonated widely. To begin, could you tell us what exactly is the root of these problems?
Dr. Javad Taleschi Yekta: Thank you to you and your colleagues. The root of many of these resentments, divisions, and deep-seated grudges traces back years, to a time when the difference between social work and social services was still hotly debated in Iran. During that period, a specific group of social services graduates formed a unique, cohesive alliance, seemingly intending to protect their group interests. They worked to stay at the top so their friends and like-minded colleagues could also hold on to their positions, and this cycle continued. Unfortunately, this alliance, instead of promoting meritocracy, established a sort of sectarian and cliquish mindset.
Madadkar News: You mentioned a lack of flexibility within the association. Does this mean they are unwilling to accept a new generation of leadership?
Dr. Javad Taleschi Yekta: Precisely. If there had been flexibility within the current association’s structure to allow for a change in provincial leadership and if meritocracy had prevailed, the situation would not be what it is today. Sadly, the current generation of the association’s leadership, because it is born from those same old grudges, is resistant to change. That’s why I believe this generation must be replaced by a younger, more competent one to bring about procedural changes. Until this generational shift occurs, true reform will be impossible.
Madadkar News: You spoke about a lack of representation. Do you believe the decision-making group in the association does not truly represent the social work community?
Dr. Javad Taleschi Yekta: This is a bitter truth. While the total number of people in the association might reach twenty or thirty, you must understand that these individuals are merely “associates.” Ultimately, only one person makes the decisions, and the others are always in “agreement.” This small group is by no means a true representative of the entire social work community in Iran. Our community is far broader and more diverse than can be contained within the narrow circle of a limited group.
Madadkar News: You stated that today’s problems are the consequence of a few people’s indifference and inflexibility. Where does this pain come from, and what is the cure?
Dr. Javad Taleschi Yekta: Unfortunately, I must say this group neither understands nor wants to understand the root of the pain. They are merely spectators to the problems. The pain of the social work community today is the price we pay for that sectarian mindset and the unholy alliance that was formed in the past. Since 2017, and even before, I have tried to make this clear to the association’s officials, but it was unsuccessful. The cure is to break free from this closed loop and hand over responsibilities to those who are not only competent but also possess a broad perspective, free from group biases.
Madadkar News: You referenced a message to the head of one of the associations, stating, “They should not think that the story ends here.” Does this mean the approach of social work media outlets will change?
Dr. Javad Taleschi Yekta: Yes, exactly. I have always had a particular way of dealing with these individuals that prevents them from understanding my true nature. But this situation will not last forever. They should fear the day when our presence is exclusively through the media. Our media outlets will hold many to account. Our messages might have been indirect until now, but a day will come when we will speak by name and with evidence, demanding an accounting for everything we know they have chosen to ignore. This is only the beginning.
