Hyderabad-Tehran direct flight could bridge cultural gap: Iranian diplomat

Hyderabad: What connects Hyderabad to Tehran…a cup of Irani chai (tea) that costs only Rs 20, first introduced by migrants from Iran, who made the city of pearls their homeland, but, a flight ticket that connects Hyderabad and Iran (Tehran) gets as expensive as Rs 40,000. When both the cities are similar on many lines, why Delhi is the only bridge, questions Dr Fariduddin Faridasr, Cultural Counselor of IR Iran in New Delhi, urging Airlines to mull on the prospects of introducing Hyderabad as another entry point for travellers flying from Iran to India. Speaking to Bizz Buzz, Dr Fariduddin Faridasr pointed out that right now New Delhi is the epicenter for international relations, and culture exchange programmes while Hyderabadi’s sweets, cinema and clothes are famous back home at Iran. “As our culture is similar, we have so many plans for collaboration with Telangana, especially Hyderabad. But, as easy access to India is from Delhi, the national capital is stealing away our cultural exchange plans with Hyderabad,” said Dr Faridasr emphasising on boosting tourism for Iran.

In the first week of February 2024, the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran had announced 15-day visa-free policy for Indian tourists visiting their country. “Our emphasis is on tourism. We are facilitating Indians to visit Iran, and see our culture. In just few days of the announcement of visa-free travel for Indian tourists, we are seeing packed flights flying to Iran. Our airlines have been working tirelessly to fly Indians, but I wish India could facilitate direct flight from Hyderabad. I am asking Indian entrepreneurs and airlines to come forward and make this possible,” he suggested.

Dr Faridasr informed that many professors from Iran have been visiting institutions in New Delhi, as part of culture exchange programmes that can be taken forward here too. “There are academicians, professors and others that are coming to India from Iran. If only institutions in Hyderabad can be more welcoming then they can hold lectures here too. Right now Hyderabad needs Delhi to connect with Iran, which is expensive even for people from Iran to travel to Hyderabad. We are asking people of Telangana to bring it to the notice of their government so that work on introducing direct flight to Tehran can be fast-tracked.”

The Deputy Director of Iran Clothing Foundation, Muhammad Hossein Ashtiani announced that International Mother’s Fashion Week is going to be held at Shiraz in August 2024. He informed that experts and fashion designers from 20 countries will be participating. He said, “Fashion is a common language between two countries. We invite designers, teachers and fashion experts from India to join us. Besides fashion show, lectures and sessions are also lined up. Teachers and designers from Hyderabad are welcome to showcase their work and hold lecture. We are willing to sponsor travel and stay of interested participants.”