Renewal of Cultural MoU Between Iran Cultural House, Mumbai, and Deccan College Postgraduate and Research Institute, Pune

On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cultural Cooperation between the Iran Cultural House in Mumbai and Deccan College Postgraduate and Research Institute in Pune was renewed for the tenth consecutive year. The signing took place during the visit of Hassan Mohsenifard, Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Mohammad Reza Fazal, Acting Consul General and Cultural Attaché, who were invited by the Vice Chancellor of Deccan College.

The ceremony was attended by Mr. Mohsenifard, Mr. Fazal, Dr. Joshi, Chancellor of Deccan College, Dr. Sonal Kulkarni, Head of the Department of Linguistics, Abbas Tajik, Head of Consular Affairs, and Nikhil Paranjape, instructor of Persian language courses.

In his remarks, Dr. Joshi commended the decade-long collaboration between the two institutions and emphasized the continuation of short-term Persian language and literature programs at the university. He also proposed establishing a Chair in Persian Language and Literature and Ancient Iranian Languages, including Cuneiform and Avestan studies.

Mr. Mohsenifard expressed his satisfaction with the renewal of the MoU, describing Persian language and literature as a shared cultural heritage of Iran and India. He highlighted the importance of consistently offering Persian courses. Mr. Fazal, acknowledging the role of the Culture House  in strengthening cultural connections, described the extension of the MoU as a milestone in bilateral cultural cooperation. He noted that future collaborations would include diverse programs, reaffirming both sides’ commitment to fostering cultural ties.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Head of the Department of Archaeology at Deccan University proposed signing a separate cultural memorandum of understanding with the Cultural House. This initiative signifies a shared commitment to strengthening cultural and educational collaboration and sets the stage for expanding joint archaeological endeavors. Through this effort, a new chapter in scientific cooperation between Iran and India is set to begin.

The renewal of this MoU, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Iranian Cultural Palace in Mumbai, aligns with Iran’s broader efforts to strengthen cultural relations with India’s western and southern regions, particularly Maharashtra. This development marks a new chapter in the promotion of Persian language and literature in India and reinforces the deep-rooted cultural bonds between Iran and India.