President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has declared literature and oratory essential to national advancement, contending that a society’s progress depends on the cultivation of heritage and moral character.
At a recent literary awards ceremony, President Muizzu argued that reverence for national traditions provides the intellectual depth and stability required for sustainable development. He noted that his government has established a Ministry of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage, together with a national centre for cultural research, institutions intended to drive an intellectual and ethical transformation.
Addressing the practical challenges of cultural preservation, the president pledged support for authors facing prohibitive printing costs, a measure aimed at ensuring the continuity of Dhivehi literature across generations. He also highlighted the shortage of educational digital content for children and announced a national short film competition designed to produce engaging historical and cultural material to fill that gap.
President Muizzu concluded by elevating handwriting competitions to national prominence and urged citizens to exercise their literary talents responsibly. He called on the public to prioritise factual accuracy and safeguard national interests, framing literature not only as an artistic pursuit but as a civic obligation.