Why it matters:
The event highlights the ongoing cultural and literary exchange between Iran and India, emphasizing the historical and linguistic ties between the two nations.
The big picture:
The unveiling ceremony took place at the Iranian Culture House in New Delhi on the sidelines of a meeting between Persian language professors from Indian universities and Gholam-Ali Haddad-Adel, head of the Sa'adi Foundation. Four books were introduced: three in Persian and one translated from Persian into Hindi.
What they're saying:
Following the book unveiling, Persian language professors from Indian universities discussed strategies to expand Persian studies, address existing challenges, and outline a roadmap for the future of the language in India.
Haddad-Adel expressed appreciation for the scholars dedicated to Persian studies and emphasized the importance of increased collaboration and support from Iranian institutions to preserve and promote the Persian language in India.
Key points:
The unveiled books include:
- "Treasures of Masnavi Ma’navi" – A Persian translation of "Sawanih Molana Rumi" by Indian scholar Shibli Nomani, translated by Mohammad Reza Azhari, a Persian professor at Lucknow University.
- "Mashayekh-e-Dehli"—Written by Professor Sharif Hussein Qasemi. This historical and mystical work explores the lives of 353 Sufi mystics active in Delhi from the establishment of Muslim rule until the early 20th century. It highlights the deep historical ties between Indian and Iranian Sufis.
- "Siyah-e" – Authored by Naqi Abbas Kaifi.
- "To Whom Shall I Say Hello?" – A Hindi translation of ten short stories by Iranian women writers, translated by renowned Indian author Nasera Sharma, who aimed to showcase the cultural similarities and daily life experiences of Iranian and Indian women.
Go deeper:
Currently, more than 10,000 students across 140 universities and colleges in India are studying Persian at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels.
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