Nagpur: Stating that Indo-Iran ties date back a long period, the Director of the Culture House of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mumbai, Mohammad Reza Fazel, on Saturday said both countries enjoy a friendly relationship because of their shared cultural past. He suggested that they can further boost ties by using their strengths to dominate the world. He also mentioned that the Indian govt further strengthened ties with Iran by upholding the classical language status of Persian.
Speaking about gender equality, he said Iran treats women and men on par, and both follow set norms. Only the head and body of both men and women are asked to be covered in public, he said. “Iran is a free country, and all citizens enjoy equal freedom. But Iran has a dress code for both men and women. Every society follows certain norms and has limits. The law of Iran is as per its long traditions and religious beliefs, as it is for any sovereign country. Even men are not allowed to walk in undergarments in public there. One can’t walk naked in public anywhere in the world,” he said.
He alleged that social and print media are controlled by a few powerful people who don’t like countries that want to live freely. “The reality of Iran is completely different from what the media portrays. More than 60% of women are reaching university level in Iran. Women are holding key positions in parliament, govt offices, and institutions. There is no reservation required. As many women as possible can be elected to parliament in Iran,” he said.
He lauded the Indian govt’s move to retain Persian in the classical languages category, saying it has only strengthened bilateral relations. “Persian has been an official language for more than 750 years, and it is good that the Indian govt acknowledged its importance. We are thankful to India,” he said.
“India and Iran have many common economic interests. Iran has the second-largest oil and natural gas reserves. India has advanced technology. This combination can take on any power in the world. Iran and India are neighbours separated by the sea. Iran has given India access to Chabahar Port for trade purposes. India is able to push its products to other parts of the world through this port. But there is still scope, and the trade can be expedited,” he said.
Fazel also mentioned that Iran is offering scholarships to learners of Persian and is trying to preserve its cultural heritage through film festivals and tourism.