‘Under the Shadow of the Sun’ convoys connect ports, hospitals, temples: AQR’s official

Head of Astan Qods Razavi Youth Institute described ‘Under the Shadow of the Sun’ convoys as a global chain connecting hearts in Iran and 11 other countries to center of Imam Reza’s generosity.

Mojtaba Mokhtari, CEO of Astan Qods Razavi (AQR) Youth Institute, outlined the operational scope of “Under the Shadow of the Sun” convoys, describing the initiative as a chain linking devoted hearts to the focal point of Imam Reza’s generosity across Iran and 11 other countries.
Referring to the 18th year of dispatching these convoys, he noted: “The spiritual movement, launched in 2008, has reached remarkable maturity. This year 64 delegations composed of shrine servants, religious preachers, and bearers of the blessed flag were dispatched to 1,400 locations across Iran and to 11 countries worldwide to convey Imam Reza’s message of kindness”.
Mokhtari stressed that the convoys’ presence was not limited to religious gatherings, explaining: “Shrine servants also carried the blessed flag to strategic national centers, including knowledge‑based institutions, ports, hospitals, and military garrisons”.
The official stated: “This presence sends a clear message to people and soldiers defending the homeland that Imam is watching over you,” adding: “Such a feeling represents one of the greatest sources of social capital for Astan Qods Razavi”.
Pointing to the international reflections of the initiative, he asserted: “Imam Reza’s soft power has crossed religious boundaries. In target countries such as India and Thailand, followers of other religions warmly welcomed the convoys”.
“In India, Armenian Christians and Buddhists greeted the blessed flag with remarkable respect. The project involved the participation of about 40,000 young volunteers and 1,000 grassroots organizations”, the CEO added.
He concluded that Under the Shadow of the Sun has evolved beyond a ceremonial program into an emotional and civilizational bond between Islamic Iran and admirers of Imam Reza around the world, stressing: “Our aim is that anyone anywhere in the world, upon seeing the blessed flag, feels embraced by the compassion of Imam Reza. This spiritual connection strengthens the foundations of national and religious identity”.