Dr Ashraf: Success through joy, sorrow makes a true person

Dr. Ashraf Abdul Raheem, President of the Dhivehi Bahuge Academy, said Thursday evening that a person truly becomes ‘a person’ by achieving success through hardship, joy, and meaningful experiences.

Speaking as guest of honor at the first Prize Day ceremony of Salahuddin School, Dr. Ashraf emphasized that personal growth requires awareness of life’s changes, whether happy, sad, or challenging. He said success is not just about achievement, but about the journey through those experiences.

“The person who learns lessons and goes through happy, sad and interesting experiences and reaches success truly becomes ‘a person’,” he told the students.

Dr. Ashraf urged students to pay attention to religious values and show respect to their teachers. He stressed the importance of not burdening teachers, especially those managing large classrooms.

“My advice to you is not to put so much pressure on the teacher. We students should look at the teacher's temperament and change ourselves accordingly. Then we will get something. Then we can learn something. Otherwise, the teacher will be in a very difficult situation,” he said.

He encouraged students to build friendships with their teachers, participate actively, and adapt their behavior to foster a better learning environment.

Reflecting on his own experience, Dr. Ashraf said the greatest joy in a teacher’s life is when former students return and greet them as ‘teacher’, a moment that surpasses the pride of earning degrees or titles.

“Even today, the children I taught came and greet me and instead of saying Dr. Ashraf, they say Ashraf sir, teacher-Ashraf, and the satisfaction and joy is greater. The greatest joy a teacher can have is witnessing the achievements of his students,” he said.

Dr. Ashraf also spoke about the importance of obedience to parents and teachers in achieving success. He expressed concern over the changing dynamics between parents and children.

“So mothers have to be very close to their children. Children have to hug their mothers. But how many children hug their mothers and say, ‘Mother, I love you so much’ now? Say these words in Dhivehi to your mothers before you go to bed at night. At least once a month, press yourself to your mother’s chest and remember that feel,” he said.

He reminded students that love is not about being in the top 10 or winning high positions, it is about discipline, respect, and obedience.

Dr. Ashraf concluded his speech by urging students to become useful citizens of the nation. He said this can be achieved by cultivating good character and avoiding harmful influences.

“What use is a man if he doesn't do anything useful for the country by the time his life is finished and his body made of clay returns back to clay? We need to make changes in our lives now!” he said.