The Department of Persian, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) hosted the 38th All India Persian Teachers Association Conference focused on "The Heritage of Persian language, Literature and Culture of Delhi" from February 22 to 24, 2025. The inaugural function of the conference took place on February 22, 2025, in the FTK Hall of the university, with Prof. Mazhar Asif, Hon'ble Vice Chancellor of JMI, presiding over the event.

In her inaugural address, Professor Azarmi Dukht Safavi, President, All India Persian Teachers Association, emphasized the necessity of fortifying the association and called for the collaboration of Persian educators nationwide to advance the heritage of the Persian language and culture. She also underscored the significant legacy of JMI concerning the Persian literary tradition. Furthermore, she elaborated on the pivotal role of Delhi as a prominent centre of Persian scholarship throughout the history of Persian literature in India.

The Iranian ambassador to India, Dr. Iraj Ilahi, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. He highlighted the importance of Persian language and literature as a crucial element in fostering connections between India and Iran. He stressed the necessity of employing contemporary methods for imparting education in Persian. Additionally, he characterized Persian as a language that embodies the identity of both nations.

Dr. Ilahi acknowledged the significant role that India plays in the preservation of Persian language, literature and culture, stating that no other nation approaches India in the volume of Persian works produced. He emphasized that the relationship between India and Iran is deeply entrenched and will not diminish over time; instead, it will continue to flourish in every era. He also expressed his satisfaction that Persian has been recognized as one of the ten classical languages of India, to be taught from the elementary level.

The auspicious presence of Dr. Gholamali Haddad Adil, the former Speaker of the Iranian parliament, Director of the Iranian Academy of Languages and President of Saadi Foundation, Iran, significantly elevated the inaugural event of the conference. His insightful speech captivated the audience. In his address, he discussed the relation between India and Iran from time immemorial. During his address, he explored the historical ties between India and Iran, emphasizing their long standing relationship. Furthermore, he highlighted the critical importance of studying the Persian language, asserting that such study is essential for the advancement of knowledge and wisdom. He also shared various insights with educators and scholars regarding the preservation of the shared literary and cultural heritage of Persian in India.

Prof. Mazhar Asif, Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, JMI, highlighted the deep-rooted influence of the Persian language, literature, and culture in India. He said that India's composite culture owes a lot to Persian and hence encouraged the students to pursue Persian literature for the sake of humanity.

A research journal titled DARA DARPAN, the brainchild of Hon'ble Vice Chancellor of JMI, Prof. Mazhar Asif, was also inaugurated during the event.

The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Kaleem Asghar, Head, Dept. of Persian and Local Secretary of the conference. He thanked all the guests coming from India and abroad. He also expressed his gratitude to the sponsors especially NCPUL for its collaboration. He further expressed his gratitude to the Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, JMI and the university administration for providing all the support in organizing the conference at JMI.