The Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology, Vasantrao Naik Government Institute of Arts and Social Sciences in association with Culture House of The Islamic Republic of Iran in Mumbai at the Independence Hall of the college organised one-day international conference on "Indo-Iran Relations: Cultural and Historical Interactions Through the Ages"

INDO-IRAN relationship was flourishing since the Achaemenian era and in the ancient time both countries were known for its culture and knowledge in the world, said Mohammad Reza Fazel, Director, Culture House of The Islamic Republic of Iran, Mumbai, here on Saturday.

Fazel talked about the millennia-old ties between the two countries and hoped that these relations would continue to flourish.

He also mentioned the historical exchange of medical knowledge, where an Indian physician travelled to Iran with medical materials, proving that India-Iran connection existed since ancient times.

Keynote speaker of the inaugural session, Dr Prabhas Sahu, Head, Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology, RTM-NU noted that in famous Iranian literature 'Avesta', names of Indian deities are included, reflecting the historical connection between the two nations. This is why cultural similarities are evident between India and Iran.

Dr Manohar T Kumbhare, Director, Vasantrao Naik Government Institute of Arts and Social Sciences gave the introductory remarks.

The event was commenced with lighting of traditional lamp followed by Vidyapeeth Geet. A book penned by Dr Ashish Shende was also released during the event. The guests were felicitated with shawl, shreeful and bouquet.

Dr. Shyam Koreti, Dean, Faculty of Humanities, RTMNU; Dr Mohammad Yahya Jameel, Dr Jinatullah Javed, Priyadarshi Khobragade, Dr Ramdas Atram, Dr Madhukar Kathane, Dr Pushpa Sharma, and Dr Tamiz Fatema also shared the dais during the event.

Dr Rupali Bhargav, Dr Nikhilesh Yadav and Dr Tarannum Naaz conducted the proceedings. Dr. Siddiqui and Dr. Ashish Shende proposed a vote of thanks.

Dr Anil Bankar, Dr Devidas Gadekar, Dr Sujata Damke, Dr Pramila Bhujade, Avinash Talmale, Dr Subodh Gorle, Dr Nagsen Dongre, Dr Chhotu Puri, Dr Harishchandra Kaithade, Dr Gulrez Khan, Abuzar Hashmi, Preeti Tabhane, Prajakta Kirtivar, other faculty members, non-teaching staff, and students worked hard for the success of the event.