NAGPUR (Dispatches) --
 Stating that Indo-Iran ties date back a long period, the director of the Culture House of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Mumbai Muhammad Reza Fazel 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 government 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 said 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, government 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 government’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 government acknowledged its importance. We are thankful to India,” 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.