TEHRAN - In a recent meeting, the Director of the National Museum of India, B.R. Mani, and the Iranian ambassador to India, Iraj Elahi, reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation for the preservation of shared cultural heritage between the two countries.

The meeting, which took place during a visit to the Noor International Microfilm Center at the Iranian Cultural House in New Delhi, focused on collaborative efforts to protect, restore, and digitize the written heritage of the two nations, ISNA reported.

The officials reviewed the center's initiatives to catalog, digitize, and restore historical manuscripts and literary treasures shared by Iran and India.

Ambassador Elahi highlighted the longstanding cultural and historical connections between the two countries, noting that cultural and literary exchanges have strengthened ties between their people over centuries. "The history of Iran and India is filled with shared stories, art, and literature, which not only enrich both nations but also contribute to humanity’s cultural heritage," he said. Elahi emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to showcase the deep solidarity and cultural affinity between Iranians and Indians.

Echoing this sentiment, Mani stressed the cultural heritage shared by the two nations, which he said transcends borders and resonates deeply with people in both countries. The intertwined cultures of Iran and India reflect a bond that has developed over time, showcasing mutual respect and shared values, Mani noted.

The visit also included discussions with Mehdi Khajeh-Piri, who presides over the center, a research institution dedicated to preserving and promoting Shia, Iranian, and Islamic heritage.

Khajeh-Piri outlined the center's ongoing projects in digital archiving, cataloging, and manuscript restoration. "Through preserving and digitizing our shared heritage, we aim to create a foundation for future scholarship and research," he said.

Khajeh-Piri also expressed hope that these collaborations would establish a lasting cultural bridge between Iran and India, inspiring pride in future generations.

Established in 1949 in New Delhi, the National Museum of India holds approximately 14,000 manuscripts, including around 8,000 in Persian and Arabic, alongside a significant collection of Iranian calligraphy and miniatures. Among the museum's notable works is a rare edition of Sadi’s Bustan, handwritten by the renowned calligrapher Shahsavar al-Katib for the royal library of Nasir Shah in 906 AH (1510 CE).

AM