President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has conferred the Order of the Dignified Rule of the Dhiyamigili Dynasty (ODRDD) on Adam Abdul Rahman during the official National Day ceremony held on Sunday morning in Utheemu, Haa Alifu Atoll.
Adam Abdul Rahman, widely known as Utheemu Adam, began his service to the Maldives on 26 August 1965 as Island Chief of Utheemu (Utheemu Katheebu). After serving in that post for more than 15 years, he went on to become Atoll Chief, holding office for over 11 years across three separate terms. His tenure was marked by numerous challenges due to the limited resources available at the time. Notably, during the 1970s, when several atolls faced acute shortages of basic food supplies, his wisdom and leadership ensured that no one from Utheemu succumbed to starvation.
During the period when the Ministry of Atolls Administration managed development projects, Adam Abdul Rahman played a pivotal role in enhancing efficiency. He advised replacing the practice of transporting goods and compensating workers directly from Malé with a contractual system, a reform he regards as one of his most significant contributions. He also worked to extend administrative services to atolls and islands that had previously been accessible only in Malé, thereby making essential services more readily available to local communities.
Renowned for his close connection with the people, Adam Abdul Rahman was a leader who genuinely empathised with their concerns and worked tirelessly to address them. Following his tenure as Atoll Chief, he served for more than three years as Administrator of the Bodu Thakurufaanu Memorial Centre, where he focused on preserving the site as a lasting historical monument. He later served as Director at the Ministry of Education.
Beyond his administrative career, Adam Abdul Rahman is highly respected in the field of language and literature. He is recognised as a leading figure in the development and regulation of the Dhivehi language. A gifted writer, storyteller, and poet, his literary contributions have earned him national recognition. In 2004, he received the National Award of Recognition for poetry, followed in 2016 by the National Award of Honour for his outstanding contributions to Dhivehi literature.