Mr. President, 

At the outset I would like to thank the Bureau for including this proposal in the agenda for today's meeting. 

India is happy to join eleven other countries in co-sponsoring the proposal to declare Nowruz - the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere falling on March 21 - as a UN non-official holiday. 

Mr. President, 

Celebration of Nowruz is an integral part of India's intricate civilizational tapestry.  

Agriculture is the source of sustenance for millions of people around the world. Nowruz, the advent of spring brings with it hope, gaiety and renewed belief in blessings of God. In fact, different parts of India celebrate these spring festivities with fervor and passion, strengthening the spirit of amity, tolerance, respect and understanding.  

This is of special significance for the Parsi community in India who follow Zoroastrianism - one of the world's most ancient faiths. The arrival of Parsi community on the shores of India centuries ago and their subsequent integration into the Indian milieu carries special significance in today's troubled times. 

Today, the international community is confronted with enormous challenges to peace and security with rise extremism and intolerance. Occasions like Nowruz help us to internalize the values of understanding and respect for cultural heritage of different societies. 

At the United Nations, we must encourage promotion of the universal values of compassion, tolerance and harmony for greater common good. 

In this context we welcome this worthy and timely initiative to recognize an important festival celebrated in so many countries.  

I thank you.