Beyond the page, Bijan Ashtari was a generous mentor and a tireless conversationalist. He believed deeply in nurturing young voices and encouraging critical thinking. Whether through workshops, university lectures, or informal gatherings, he created spaces for dialogue and reflection, especially across generational and cultural divides. Colleagues recall him as principled and passionate — someone who held truth as a non-negotiable value, yet approached others with patience and respect. For many, he was more than a writer; he was a guide, a challenger, a confidant.
