In general, it is understood that people of all countries cherish their cultural heritage and demonstrate the best of their culture and heritage to others. It is clear that the cultural values of any period of history are measured based on the existence of those known values as well as the preservation and remembrance of those values and heritage. There have been few cultures that have preserved and have been able to perpetually advance their cultural traditions well beyond their own borders and celebrate it with the rest of the people of the world.

One of these cultures is our “beautiful and secular Iranian culture”;

A culture that respects wisdom and praises kindness,

A culture that has no preference or religious, ethnic, racial, sexual and gender discrimination,

A culture that avoids violence and sadness and loves peace and happiness,

A culture with over thousands of New Year’s celebration which has now transcended across borders and countries around the globe with its beautiful and stunning rituals and ceremonies,

And a culture that even under the suppression of one of the most violent and tyrannical religious governments and its cruel practices, has not reduced its value and credibility; rather, it has shown its significance and pride.

This past year we have seen and experienced a confrontation between glorious and noble Iranian people and a tyrannical regime. The huge price we have paid has been further oppression, imprisonment, torture and death of freedom loving Iranian people.

On the eve of our beautiful Nowruz, we hear the same familiar call which has been uttered by cultures and peoples all over the world and now being repeated by people of Iran: “We want a healthy and free life in a free country that celebrates Nowruz and can no longer tolerate the death of freedom loving people.”

Happy Nowruz and Iranian New year

Shokooh Mirzadegi

March 2023