The Year of National Destiny: Transitioning from Fragility to Self-Reliance

(1394 (2015) Nowruz Message)

Keypoints: 

• Cultural Identity: Nowruz as a timeless symbol of Afghan-Aryan connection with nature.
• Destiny-Defining Year: 1394 as a turning point for national self-belief and institutional wisdom.
• Dual-Axis Strategy: Progress split between state plans and citizen-led initiatives.
• Economic Self-Reliance: Agriculture, livestock, and handicrafts as engines of Afghan growth.
• Peace as a Foundation: Peace as the essential "shadow" enabling nation-building.

I offer my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes on the auspicious occasion of Nowruz and the start of the new year, 1394 Hijri Solar, to all my fellow citizens!

Nowruz is an ancient and historic celebration, a symbol and sign of our country’s history and culture. Nowruz is the renewal of a great memory—the memory of humanity’s kinship with nature! The passing of long years has not diminished the grandeur of Nowruz traditions; rather, it has illuminated the reality that honoring Nowruz and its customs is inextricably linked with Afghan-Aryan thought and emotion. Due to this unbreakable bond with our history, the fresh greenery and fragrant air at the start of every spring invite all people toward joy and affection.

In our country, which is the cradle and birthplace of this celebration of nature’s resurrection, Nowruz possesses its own unique culture. The raising of the Sacred Banner (Alam-e-Mubarak), greenery planting, sapling cultivation, sanitation and cleaning, the opening of exhibitions, the Farmer’s Festival (Mela-ye-Dehqan), visiting the sick, practicing national sports, and other endeavors—all represent the morality and love for life inherent in the culture and traditions of the people of this land. For Afghans, it is vital to evaluate their actions over the past year and make firm decisions for the year ahead.

The year 1394 will be a destiny-defining year in our country’s modern history. In this year, preparations for the development of Afghanistan must be carried out with complete reliance on the pillars of strengthening national unity, brotherhood, and comprehensive political participation. Wisdom and self-belief must be established within our national institutions, and the all-encompassing support of the people for the system's goals of prosperity and development is an absolute necessity.

Our national priorities move forward on two major axes:

1. The State and System: The Government of Afghanistan will organize its programs and plans for the country's development and reconstruction within the framework of official functions based on specific strategies.

2. Citizen-Led Programs: These are programs carried out by the people themselves. These plans are the most important of all. The proud people of Afghanistan must assist their government in fulfilling our shared mission. The development of agriculture and livestock, the growth of handicrafts, and the expansion of greenery will be the primary factors of our country’s success.

Peace and security are the first requirements for development in any country; they remain the great goals of this state. Every possible effort will be made to ensure peace and establish security in the light of the supreme interests of the country and national consensus. Efforts in this regard are ongoing, but the work that happens under the shadow of peace belongs to the people.

In conclusion, while once again congratulating you on the New Year, I pray to Almighty God for peace and stability for my country, and for the happiness and prosperity of my dear compatriots.