In the Name of Allah
The Most Compassionate, The Merciful
Distinguished Ambassadors & Colleagues of the Diplomatic Corp
Honorable Art O’Leary, Secretary General of President of Ireland
Distinguished Senators, TDs and Civil Servants of the Government of Ireland
My Fellow Iranian & Irish Citizens
Dear Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen
Nowruz Mobarak!
It is a great pleasure to welcome you to this happy and blessed gathering. ‘Nowruz’, literally "New Day," is call for a new beginning! In line with the commencement of the Spring and of a new solar year, and in harmony with rebirth of nature, Nowruz calls upon all and every human being for renewal of life and for refreshing our bodies and souls. It is an occasion for cherishing the blessings we live with. A turning point to carry the best of the bygone year whilst setting goals for the better in the new one just begun. Nowruz gives inspirations for love, compassion, peace, and happiness while promising a new chapter of hope for prosperity and well-being.
Originally a Persian cultural feast, Nowruz has been celebrated for millennia for thousands of years by Iranians of all ethnic and religious groups. As a cultural umbrella, the celebration of Nowruz has now spread all around the world. In 2010 Nowruz was recognized as an International Day by the United Nations as it is celebrated in many countries. The spirit of Nowruz is all-inclusive and singles no one out.
Our world today needs the spirits and the messages of Nowruz more than ever before. Our world world is afflicted by the plagues of war, terrorism, deliberate starvation, arbitrary sanctions, bigotry, discrimination and inequality, each of which would suffice to undermine the prosperity of our life. On the other hand, environmental degradation and climate change, are threatening the sustainability of our planet. Nowruz is an invitation to benevolence of humankind and appreciation for nature. It provides an opportunity for rethinking, resuming and rebuilding.
Nowruz is a constellation of joy, family gathering, visiting friends, helping the poor, enjoying the weather, travelling and spending money! Nowruz bears the true spirit of hope, compassion, and new beginning for a better day, a better season, and a better year. Let us renew our love, faith and care for one another on this day. May this Nowruz, and many Nowruzes-to-come, lead us to a far better world, in harmony, peace and towards the light.
Nowruz Mobarak!