President Dr Mohamed Muizzu opened National Day observances on Sunday with a call to reflect on the enduring legacy of national heroes, invoking the triumph of Sultan al-Ghazi Muhammad Thakurufaanu al-Auzam Siri Savadheetha Maha Radhun, widely known as Bodu Thakurufaanu, whose victory over Portuguese forces 466 years ago remains a cornerstone of Maldivian history.
In a message shared via social media, the president underscored the lasting resonance of the Sultan’s national jihad. “As 466 years have passed since the victory and success of Bodu Thakurufaanu's invaluable national jihad, those memories, alongside the pride and honour he achieved, continue to resonate vibrantly within the hearts of Maldivians,” he stated.
In his remarks, President Muizzu also reiterated the symbolic significance of national identity and collective memory. “The national pulse that beats within the bodies of Maldivians consistently serves as a reminder to draw lessons from the determination and courage of the esteemed heroes who waged jihad for the rights of this nation,” he said. “It is with the renewal of our commitment, that Maldivians will forever remain a people devoted to their nation, upholding nationalism and independence, that I extend National Day greetings to all Maldivian citizens.”
The president and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed travelled to Utheemu, Haa Alifu Atoll, to lead the official ceremonies. Utheemu, the birthplace of Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu, holds profound historical significance as the origin of the campaign that liberated the Maldives from colonial rule. National Day is traditionally observed on the first day of Rabi' al-Awwal in the Hijri calendar, commemorating this pivotal moment in the nation’s history.
Upon arrival at Utheemu harbour, the president and the first lady were welcomed by island residents with cultural performances. Senior government officials, including Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Chief Justice Abdul Ghanee Mohamed, and Minister of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage Adam Naseer Ibrahim, formally received the delegation. The president of the Utheemu Council also participated in the reception.
The day’s programme included a groundbreaking ceremony for the ‘Bodu Thakurufaanu Dhoraashi’, a commemorative gate being constructed under the government’s “Reviving Ghazi Radhun’s Memory” initiative. The president and first lady also participated in a tree-planting activity and met with local residents.
This year’s decision to host National Day celebrations in Utheemu, and to continue doing so next year, fulfils a presidential pledge to honour the occasion in the birthplace of the national hero. A formal ceremony is scheduled, during which a distinguished Maldivian dignitary will be recognised.
The president is expected to confer commemorative shields and badges upon recipients of the National Award of Honour. Recipients of the National Award for Recognition will receive a commemorative shield and badge. In a further gesture of tribute, the Presidential Honour for Distinguished Service to the Nation will be awarded to the people of Utheemu.
Evening festivities will include a fireworks display, with additional cultural events planned for Monday, according to the culture and heritage ministry.