Madulu Waheed dies at 77

Madulu Mohamed Waheed, a prominent figure in the fields of Dhivehi language and journalism, has died at the age of 77 on Monday. 

Waheed died at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) after battling a long illness. 

He was bestowed National Award of Honor in the field of Dhivehi literature in promoting Dhivehi language. 

Waheed was first introduced to writing while completing a course in India. After returning home in 1973, his primary work became reporting international news, which he gathered by listening to various radio broadcasts. During this time, he got the opportunity to write international news for the daily newspaper Moonlight.

Waheed was a nameworthy figure in the field of writing during his school years as well. Back then, his writings were published under the name ‘Hoarafushi Waheed’. Waheed was keen on writing stories without filtering the truth. He received training in news writing in India, England and Yugoslavia. 

Waheed began writing short stories during spare time he had while working on news articles. In a previous interview, Waheed said he mainly wrote short stories during midnight hours. His stories were inspired by small incidents shared by people. Ultimately, he began publishing his short stories. The criticism he received served as encouragement to better his writing.

Some books published by Waheed include: ‘Islaamee Adhab Akhlaaq’, ‘Dheyhaige Aiymathee Foii’, ‘Hayaathuge Hadhiya’, ‘Harudhanaa Shahsiyyathu’, ‘Haleesa’, ‘Hadhiya 2’, ‘Dhiriulhumeuge Rahathah’, ‘Dhivehi Raajjeyge Fathuruverikan’ and ‘Kiyavaasheve. Adhi Visanaasheve’.

Waheed has also published books containing a collection of his short stories. Some of his best-selling stories include: ‘Nukulhedhey Asar’, ‘Sakeenage Hiydhathikan’, ‘Amilla Vazanugai Beerattessaka Vefa’. ‘Nafsahvevey Hamdharudhee’, ‘Maegge Asaru’ and ‘Fundu Fundu Vi Huvafen’. 

Waheed has translated HCP Bell’s book on the Maldives, The Máldive Islands: Monograph on the History, Archaeology and Epigraphy. He played a crucial role in the production of ‘Radio Haveeru’, a serial radio program initiated by UNESCO to raise public awareness on social issues. He contributed to the writing of ‘Kathiri’, a television program broadcasted by TVM to raise public awareness on various topics. 

Waheed began his service for the government on December 17, 1966, first serving as an English scribe for Vuzaarathul Thiraajaa. In his 35 years long service, Waheed has held numerous posts including International News Reporter at the Department of Information and Broadcasting and senior posts in the Department including Assistant Director, Deputy Director and Director General. He has also served as the Director of the National Institute for Dhivehi Language and Heritage and a special advisor to the Institute.

Waheed received the National Award for Recognition in the field of Dhivehi literature in 1985 and the National Award for Recognition in the field of short stories in 1997. He received ‘Alimas Galan’, one of the highest honors in the field of journalism in 2019. 

Waheed contributed to the field of Dhivehi literature for some 50 years without any breaks.

Waheed’s distinguished career in journalism included many years of service in state media. He also held the position of chairman of the Maldives National Broadcasting Commission (MNBC), which was established during the administration of former President Mohamed Nasheed.