By: Reza Bayegan

As the defeated army of winter sends its scattered forces of cold spells into desperate sorties and spring asserts itself with confidence in its birthright and splendour there comes the 27th March and the birthday of our late Princess Leila Pahlavi.

I know a few Iranians who faithfully remember this day and mark it with a quiet celebration. They make no fuss and show no great display of emotions but observe this event in a calm, reflective mood; a mood akin to Princess Leila's own reserved and unobtrusive temperament. They remember it as a day for focusing on the priceless virtue of human kindness and compassion. They devote this occasion to pondering the tenderness and fragility of life, and for keeping in mind what ultimately matters and is of eternal value.

Thinking of our princess we remember for instance to never forget the human element in the frenzy of a political horse race. Her gentle glance looking at us from her photographs reminds us that life is too short for acrimony and too unreliable for construction of anything grand except fond memories.

In these sorry days of opportunism and banality, it is refreshing to think of our elegant and dignified princess who arrived in this world with the tender flowers of spring and withered away before the arrival of summer. May God bless the soul of our beloved Princess Leila who intensely lived and passionately loved.