The College of Nationalism (Dhivehi Qaumiyyathuge Isvaru), has held its first conference of the year under the name ‘Kalhuohfunmi-Dhivehi Qaumiyyathuge Dharubaaru.’
The first conference of the year was dedicated to the natural disasters faced by the Maldives throughout its history.
Speaking during the conference the college's Dean of History (Kashima) Ahmed Shakir touched upon some of the historic natural disasters experienced by the country including the heavy rains that devastated Keylakunu 211 years ago and the strong winds that hit the nation 102 years ago.
"Many islands were deserted in the heavy rains that devastated Keylakunu. Several islands in Thiladhunmathi, Miladhunmadulu and Maalhosmadulu were deserted. But now some of them have been re-inhabited. The Maldivian people are no strangers to natural disasters. We’ve had our fair share of such experiences,” Shakir said.
During the conference, Hussain Waheed, a renowned meteorologist at the Maldives Meteorological Service, shared his extensive experiences with participants. Hussain Waheed has been working with the weather agency since 1998.
A private individual donated a digital copy of the book ‘Dhivehi Thaareehah Alikameh’ published by the National Center for Dhivehi Language and History to the Ministry of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage.
The conference held biannually, serves as a platform in which participants can hold comprehensive and academic discussions on a variety of topics related to Maldivian nationalism, history, culture and heritage.