TEHRAN -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei here on Tuesday urged the youth, especially members of the Islamic Associations of Students, to preserve their religious, cultural and historical identity.

Ayatollah Khamenei in an address to representatives of the members of the Islamic Associations of Students said that every Iranian is the standard bearer of honor and prosperity who through their reliance on religious, national, cultural and historical identity pave the way towards prosperity, progress and elevation.

The Leader said every faithful and jubilant Iranian plays a key and effective role in the society's destiny, IRNA reported.

The Leader said the Islamic Revolution of Iran has played an instrumental role in the revival of the Iranian nation's identity and personality.

Hegemonic powers have constantly been trying to downgrade beliefs and talents of the Iranian nation, strip them of their sense of self-confidence and independent identity and pave the way for their continued domination on the nation's interests, the Leader said.

The Islamic Revolution of Iran, however, has managed to break the barrier and open the road towards independence of the state and flourishing of the nation's talents, said the Leader. Ayatollah Khamenei advised the audience, "as vanguards on the road to honor and prosperity, you should tread the arduous road to progress and prosperity through wisdom and knowledge and by strengthening spirituality and boosting your morale and spirits."

The Leader said studying is the prime duty of the youth and young adults. Nothing should replace the good practice of studying in students' life, said the Leader, adding that additionally, one can be committed and loyal to a goal while successfully making scientific progress.